Hey all.

Off to crete for summer hol n was jsut wondering if anybody knows of some good walks, scrambles and also mountian biking that can be done out there. we're staing on the hilly west side of the island.

Also does anybody know if its possible to hire reasnoble quaility MTB's out there?


many thanks
Ben

Ben - though u were going to Slovenia???

Tips for Crete - for the fair skinned - take factor 50 and stay out of the sun.....too hot to walk anywhere.....possibility of a slightly lower temp at altitude but still fec*ing hot. Cycling in those conditions means badly burned thighs and knees BTW, even if your shoulders are covered.

I say this as a person who likes hot weather and tans easily!

I went a couple of years ago, the mountains of the west were bigger than stuff in the uk. There's a gorge called the samaria gorge that people flock to walk down as its 3000m descent ish to the sea. Was nice but crammed with tourists. I was reliably informed that the walking is good in the west and central areas and that there are other gorges that are rarely visited, especially on the north west.

Can't really say any more as I went equipped for drinking and snorkeling and got extremely dehydrated walking the popular gorge cos i only took a one litre sigg bottle for 18km in 35 degrees


p.s. are you in any way related to me?

Jeannie: was going to slovenia but cant get leave for long enough to drive out there n costs to much to fly.....crete was cheaper!....hmmmm i'll take mucho suncream then.

David: thanks, its the western bit nr the gorge i think we're staying near. The gorge sounds like its going to be given a go. also quite fancy getting up high to escape some of the heat.

um.....i duno. the hedley side of my family are all from the southampton area.

Have dug out my map and the Leyka ori mountains are the ones on the west. They are marked with some footpaths and are above 2000m rising to 2452. From what i remember they are gravelly and would suit a mountain bike if you can get hold of one however i went with an non-walking mate the closest we came was hiring a pedalo.

I do remember the tour guide that there were more challenging routes around and that to beware of the mounatians in the east as they have millitary listerning posts and were quite secretive

I'm in newcastle so any connnection is unlikey

Exploremore do guided walking holidays on Crete and may be able to help.
http://www.exploremore.co.uk/

The Lefka Ori is fabulous for walking (although there is very little water) but the rocks are evil and will shread bike tyres in no time. Stay at the excellent refuge at Kalergi where the outdoor day-time only toilet will blow your mind. Altitude will not protect you from the heat - you're closer to the sun aren't you - so take factor five million protection wherever you go on the island. The Samaria Gorge is mostly used by tourists who take a coach to the top and walk down during the morning. Then they catch the boat to Chora Sfakia to pick up a return bus ride