Intro

Along the track one can see the basic rocks of Psiloritis, the platy marbles and the flysch of the plattenkalk limestones unit, the limestones of the Tripolitsa Unit, as well as the contact between the two units, the scientifically very important “Cretan detachment fault”.

The main feature of the trail is the small but impressive gorge of “Mygia’s” which was named after the flies that according to a local (traditional) myth, were gathered when a man from Anogia, centuries ago, killed “the beast of the spring source”. Intense rock folds are visible in many parts, as well as sinkholes, small plateaus and other forms of karstic rock water dissolution. In the small Stefana plateau at the north west side of the trail there is a small winter water pond that dries out during the summer.

The human presence is denoted by the animal farming facilities and particularly by the traditional, dry stone built “mitata” as seen in the point of interest 5 surrounded by their kraals. The view along almost the entire trail is magnificent all year long, while during the winter period a large part of the track is covered by snow.

Flora

The flora along the trail consists basically of bushes, scrubs with some kermes oaks and maples at many places, while the monotony is interrupted by spectacular kermes oak trees. In different times of the year one can see many wild flowers of Psiloritis (Crocus sp., Colchicum cretense, Iris unguicularis ssp cretensis, Legousia sp. etc).

Difficulties – Dangers

The track does not include any significant difficult sections or dangers. Although it passes parallel to the gorge of Migia’s and its steep cliffs, there is no danger as long as the tracker follows the track and doesn’t get close to the steep cliffs. Also, the part of the track that follows the main paved road to Nida plateau is very small and in conjunction with the light traffic there are no obvious dangers. In the case of school or other organised trips the end of the track could be the mitato near the paved road (Point 7 and Point 8 ), so that walking towards the parking place near the road can be avoided. As along the track there are no sites with drinkable water, it is suggested that the needed quantities of water should be ensured in advance, although even during the summer period the temperatures are never too high, except in the case of south winds. Special attention is needed when south winds blow which sometimes can be really strong, as well as rainfall that can quickly turn into a fierce thunderstorm or snowstorm. In this case one can find temporary shelter in one of the mitata of the region.