Overview

This is an easy and magnificent hike on the century old transmigration route.

Description

Take the paved road climbing north out of the village to reach a saddle and the main road from Eptahori. On the other side of the saddle continue on a track gently downhill into the pine forest. Reach the bottom of the valley, cross the stream and continue on a forest track along the stream uphill. After a saddle descent to Ntetsou sheperd’s huts, once an important road station. Rejoin the main road from Eptahori (water 200m on the left).

Cross the road and walk along a clearing parallel to it to the right past a dry trough and towards the forest ahead. Once in the forest you should find the footpath. The path continues with small ups and downs, it is wide and mostly shaded and generally easy to follow. I have some evidence that this is a part of the old “road” from the plane of Thessaly to the mountain pastures of northern Pindus. Pass the ruins of Agios Athanasios chapel and start the descend to the river visible ahead. Superb views of Smolikas and Vasilitsa mountains. After a short intimidating traverse  of a clay slope where the path has been washed out and is now one boot wide, continue downhill eventually along a narrow ridge. You will reach the edge of a cliff where the path has collapsed. Luckily there is a point a few meters to the right where descent is possible safely. Still some care is needed to climb down the few meters due to steepness and loose ground (trekking poles and perhaps a small rope could make this less intimidating). After this point the path continues in good condition down the ridge to fade out by the river. Turn steeply right following the river downstream to reach the wonderful stone-bridge of Zouzouli.  During summer months there is little water and crossing the stream is straightforward. Cross the bridge and follow the dirt track uphill that leads to the village.

Amenities

There is only a small taverna operating during summer here.

Signposting

There is no signposting.

Transportation

None.

Notes

See Zouzouli-Dotsiko section.

Maps

Anavasi map "Gramos, Smolikas, Voio, Vasilitsa" (1:50000)