Martin McGuigan Visits Crete

Cretan Trip 22th to 28th April 2000.

The island is a great place for a holiday. Good food friendly people and plenty of mountains.
Climbed Gingilos; distance 13km, height 850m. A very interesting walk with some scrambling for the last 100m. Care would be necessary if visibility was not good for the descent of this top part. A compass bearing would be a good idea. Dramatic rock formations and the biggest scree slope I have ever seen are some of the sites along the way.Time four and a half hours.

We did not get to do the Samaria Gorge [Pic] because it does not open until the first of May. Which is a pity because it looks like a great full day's walk. Next time.

I also did a scramble near Hersonisos one evening up to the local masts etc. The rock is very sharp and pointy and also strong. There are plenty of mountain paths and walks for all ranges.A good guide is Landscapes of Crete by Jonnie Godfrey and Elizabeth Karslake

Happy walking, Martin McGuigan.

[Columba's report on Crete]