Overview

Beautiful and wild hike, mostly on  footpaths and through oak forest following the old trade route. The first section is along Dokous-Dere stream which is followed by an ascent through forests to the outskirts of Varvara village.

Description

From the southern edge of Modi village take a dirt road past a couple of sheepfolds. Where the road bends steeply left stay right on a broad path walking along the stream through tall bushes. The path eventually joins the track again. Continue on the track for another 1.5km coming to the river bed where the track ends.

Cross the stream and turn left. Just after crossing a dry tributary turn right through bushes on a narrow and rocky path. Some care is needed here to find the right path luckily way-marked recently with ribbons. Soon you enter the forest where the path becomes clear and ascends on a ridge first on its left side and then passing on its right side finally joining a track on its top. Follow the track for 200m to join a larger road. Turn left and walk on this track until it crosses a stream. Here turn right on a broad eroded path to the the top of a ridge and descent on the other side of the ridge to find the continuation of the path (this latter section is overgrown so care is needed). Turn right on the path and continue along the right bank of a small stream. Soon the path end by the river bed before a steep drop. Take a smaller path to the right and descend to the stream bed after 20m where you can find its continuation on the opposite side. Now continue steeply at first towards a rocky ridge, then on the left of the ridge and finally after passing a rocky saddle on the top of the ridge. The path is a bit overgrown and indistinct at places but it is not hard to follow as long as you stay on the ridge. Finally the path becomes quite overgrown and it is more convenient to leave it. Turn left to emerge out of the forest on a field and turn right along its edge to join a rough track. Follow this track to join the paved road Varvara - Maditos opposite to a picnic spot. Turn left on the paved road to conclude the walk at Varvara after about 2.5km.

Amenities

Varvara has tavernas and a couple of hostels.

Signposting

Partly way-marked with ribbons.

Transportation

Taxi to Arnea (Tel: 23720 22212)

Notes

A dry crossing of Dokous-Dere stream may not be possible early in the season or after heavy rain. There are orientation difficulties and thus use of GPS is highly recommended.