From the Nestos to the Rhodope Mountains
Nestos–Rodopi Trail
We will spend a full two days in the Nestos–Vistonida and Rhodope Mountains National Park, crossing and discovering the unique ecosystem of the area. We hike alongside the Nestos river on the international E6 long-distance path, which follows the old railway workers’ trail built in 1893 to help the staff, because the Gorge on the eastern bank of the Nestos is so steep and rocky that moving workers and materials for building the railway line was impossible. To this day – for more than a century – visitors to the Gorge still use the same railway workers’ trail. In the Rhodope Mountains we explore the Haidou forest. The whole range is one of the most interesting areas in Europe because of its rich biodiversity. This is due to its geographical position, its geology and geomorphology, as well as the fact that it was not affected by glaciers. As a result, many species of Central and Northern Europe found refuge in the Rhodope in the past. Today the area marks the southernmost limit of their range.
Programme
Saturday 23 January:
Route: Nestos Gorge (Galani) – Komnina
A delightful route, ideal for the season, alongside the Nestos river on the international E6 long-distance path, which follows the old railway workers’ trail built in 1893 to help the staff, because the Gorge on the eastern bank of the Nestos is so steep and rocky that moving workers and materials for building the railway line was impossible. To this day, for more than a century, visitors to the Gorge still use the same railway workers’ trail. Afternoon arrival at a picturesque guesthouse for our stay, a meal and free time.
Approximate hiking time: 5 hours.
Sunday 24 January:
Route: Erymanthos Forest Village – Haidou summit
After breakfast we transfer to the Haidou area at an altitude of 1,300 m, now in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Starting from the Forest Village, we follow the path through a conifer forest of black pine, Scots pine and beech. The old path leads us to the abandoned military outpost on the summit of the mountain at 1,608 m. The Rhodope range spreads out densely forested and wild, with its deep, inaccessible ravines and gentle ridges. To the north, towards the Greek–Bulgarian border, the peaks of Mavri Petra, Gyftokastro and Thermo can be made out.
At the end of the route we will stop for a meal at the Haidou restaurant.
Approximate hiking time: 4 hours.
Cost
€180 per person
The price includes:
- Guiding on the hikes by the programme leader
- Overnight stay with breakfast at a guesthouse
- Briefing and organisation of equipment
- Local transfers (Xanthi – Nestos Gorge – Stavroupoli – Forest Village)
- Public liability insurance
- Digital photos
Information
- Once you register, we will get in touch with you
- A €60 deposit secures your place
- Acceptance of the terms of use/participation/payment methods
- Difficulty level: level 2/4 moderate
Photos
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