Overview

A long traverse of the south-west slopes of Paggaio up to the middows of the main mountain ridge where it joins the route from Rodolivos. If you start early in the morning you can continue to Avli in the same day.

Description

From the main square continue on the track uphill among ruins to a water trough and then start descending towards the valley ahead. Continue along the west side of this valley unfortunately with little shade. Then the track climbs to a saddle with a hunters hut and continues on the west side of the ridge now through beach forest gently downhill. Eventually the track crosses a stream and continues along it now more steeply until it stops by its bank. Cross it and walk through the forest on a faint path (possibly muddy) along a gully and then climb out of it on a small ridge. Once out of the forest head for the saddle visible ahead on loose ground. After the saddle turn right into the forest where the path becomes visible again. The path is not used and covered with leaves and branches but is easy to follow. Eventually it comes very close to a forest track coming from the right. Climb on this track and follow it for 1km to reach a broad saddle and continue along the grassy valley ahead. After a pen turn left along a fussy path towards an obvious saddle to find the path that descends to the other side joing the route from Rodolivos. See Rodolivos-Paggaio description for the rest of the route.

Amenities

Mesolakia village was abonded in the sixtees and its inhabitants descended to Nea Mesolakia by the Strimonas valley. Some houses have been rebuild since but there are no amenities here. Along the route you pass two water troughs, one above Rodolivos refuge (off trail) and one after one hour. There is no water at the refuge (Hatzigeorgiou refuge: SXO Kavalas, 697 877 0560) which is usually closed. Alternatively there is a covered porch at Hatzigeorgiou refuge that may host about five people.

Signposting

Partly way-marked with plastic ribbons.

Transportation

None