Mike Conquers the Pindos Mountains
Mike from Allweathers has just got back from conquering the Pindos mountains in North West Greece. The Pindus (also Pindos or Pindhos) mountain range is located in northern Greece and southern Albania. It is roughly 160 km long, with a maximum elevation of 2637 m (Mount Smolikas). Because it runs along the border of Thessaly and Epirus, the Pindus range is often called the "spine of Greece". The mountain range stretches from near the Greek-Albanian borders in Northern Epirus, entering the Epirus periphery and Macedonia region in northern Greece down to the north of the Peloponnese.(Source: Wikipedia)
Mike, a relatively new hiker decided to throw himself in at the deep end with two major hikes within the Pindos Mountains, one to Dragon Lake and the other to the Vikos Gorge.
Dragon Lake was the harder of the two hikes, taking approximately 6 and half hours. Mike said, “This was a long up hill trek and at times we worried about the weather, due to the fog surrounding the mountains, so we only stayed at the Lake for around 20 minutes but it was just about enough time to take in the fantastic scenery”.
The Vikos Gorge was the easier walk, although still steep and took around 3-4 hours and is the source of the famous Vikos Mineral water.
Mike of course needed to make sure he was properly equipped, and this is when working at Allweathers has its distinct advantages.
Mike’s Equipment was as follows:
Boots: Merrell Moab Mid GTX
Trousers: Craghoppers Classic Kiwi Trousers
Jacket: Berghaus Paclite Jacket
Rucksack: Berghaus TwentyFourSeven 20 Litre Daysack
Mike also took an old t-shirt, a polyester one, which was recommended as it does not absorb moisture like a cotton one. To keep warm in the evenings Mike also took a Berghaus Activity Fleece.
If you are interested in visiting this region Mike would be happy to answer any questions you may have about his trip or the equipment he took.
Inspired by the success of this trip Mike is now planning a return trip to Greece in the New Year and a joint company trip to Grasmere, Cumbria. So visit us soon to read about Mikes adventures.
