Hiking around Zakopane/ Tatra mountains

I am wanting to visit Zakopane in October and do some hiking around the Tatra mountains. I do a lot of walking in England but orienteering isn't my strong point. Is it easy to hike on your own in the mountains, I heard that there are colour coded walks, but then reading the information on the internet it says it's extremely dangerous. Is it safe to hike alone or is going with a tour guide better. If the latter is better does anyone know where you can book onto a tour and how much they are?

Thanks

it depends how experienced you are...

discoverzakopane.com/hiking.html

PS - Morkie Oko is closed for tourists for the next couple of months or so...

you have fun and be careful...

Hello FosterL3.
I am from Ireland and I live in the mountains in Poland, not as far as Zakopane. There are many many treks, some better than others. The thing I do not like about the main stream treks in Zakopane is that there are far too many people on the path (directly infront and behind you) but do not worry there are plenty of treks.

Yes, it is very easy. Some routes are dangerous especially at certain times of the year, nameingly winter. Go alone you will be fine. I have no idea about tours.
You will be fine, if there is anythig more I can help you with do not hesitate to ask.

That's annoying that morkie oko is closed off that's one of the places I was planning to go to. O well maybe I'll go off the beat and track a bit more and see places with more minimal tourist activity. Thanks for your comments.

Morkie oko is NOT closed to tourists. I actually slept there this week. The weather was TERRIBLE. A lot of snow and the Rysy was unreachable. You'll have to take the path form "Schronisko w Dolinie Pieciu Stawow" to get to Morkie oko. If you go right now double the time which you read on the signs and take care!!

http://www.gory-szlaki.pl/szl.htm

if you search hard enough you may be able to find a map to all these. difficulty comes from the elevation gaines and steepness of trails. it's not dangerous if you're prepared. remember that even though tatra mountains aren't all that tall they are real mountains and thus carry some risk regardless. make sure to have enough water and clothes and have a map and good idea where you're traveling.
since this is an NP, bushwhacking is not allowed. otherwise, i don't think there is such a thing as 'off the beaten track' in PL. you will encounter people no matter where you go.

http://www.mapytatr.net/PRODUKTY/MAPY_TAT/WYSOKIE/SLICES/wys_ii.htm

Please understand some trails were or are still closed because the Zakopane area received rainfall that created flooding in early July. Trails need to be repaired for safety. Nothing is done to inconvenience you all personally.