While the peaks of the High Tatra are more akin to the Alps, there is much of Slovakia that echoes the character of the English Lake District. And once you have taken a modestly priced train ride East from Prague the region may be using the Euro but its everyday prices are slightly lower than those in the UK. The train ride to Poprad takekes some eight hours and for those of a robust disposition there is a night train. The rail fares were about hal;f those we have come to stomach in the UK. Poprad has its own smaller guage electric rail link that twists and turns its way up into the foothills of the High Tatra. Hotels and chalets very much echoe the look and feel of Austria. In the winter that Slovakian Tatra is a ski venue and in summer the ski resorts' lifts offer an extra lift up to the rugged peaks that are the border twixt Slovakia and Poland to the North.
As the weather can change suddenly in the High Tarta professional guides can be hired to accompany high level walking. Reservations via Tel. +421911442232 (correct in 2011)
There is a mountain biking park based at Starey Smokovec. More info on mountain biking in Slovakia here...