This section of the E4 in Greece crosses three mountain ranges: the Verno, Vermio and Pieria mountains, and two flatter areas; the first south of Lake Vegoritis and the second being the coastal plain around Dion. The mountains are clothed with woodland on their lower slopes and grassland spread with creeping juniper higher up. I encountered many herds of cows and flocks of sheep looked after by men living in shacks that dot the hillside. I assume this is transhumance farming with the men and animals moving to lower pastures in the winter. The lowlands are agricultural with orchards of peach, apple and kiwi, vineyards, hay meadows, fields of maize etc..
Despite the mountains I met no hikers enjoying the scenery and people seemed to think my walk a bit odd. Intermittent waymarks reassured me I was on an international hiking trail but little else. Since the route of the E4 was fixed in this area many of the footpaths have often become overgrown whereas the vehicle tracks are maintained through regular use by herdsmen and hunters. Some rerouting is needed, especially at the Sfikia dam, which I would recommend avoiding due to the difficulty reaching it and because access is discouraged.
There are some interesting churches and monasteries on the route, as well as archaeological remains at Dion. Nimfeo is an attractive stone built village in the mountains, and the bear sanctuary worth a visit. Look out for tortoises and the footprints of wild bears on the tracks. Some wild camping is needed to cross the various mountain ranges although there is probably more accommodation than I managed to find. September was a pleasant time to walk the route although it can get cold at night. Dogs were a nuisance, barking at your approach, although not as aggressive as some I have come across.
GPS files of my route can be found on wikiloc.com (clink on links here and here and here), or on ViewRanger, shortcodes johnpon0036, johnpon0037 and johnpon0038.
Despite the mountains I met no hikers enjoying the scenery and people seemed to think my walk a bit odd. Intermittent waymarks reassured me I was on an international hiking trail but little else. Since the route of the E4 was fixed in this area many of the footpaths have often become overgrown whereas the vehicle tracks are maintained through regular use by herdsmen and hunters. Some rerouting is needed, especially at the Sfikia dam, which I would recommend avoiding due to the difficulty reaching it and because access is discouraged.
There are some interesting churches and monasteries on the route, as well as archaeological remains at Dion. Nimfeo is an attractive stone built village in the mountains, and the bear sanctuary worth a visit. Look out for tortoises and the footprints of wild bears on the tracks. Some wild camping is needed to cross the various mountain ranges although there is probably more accommodation than I managed to find. September was a pleasant time to walk the route although it can get cold at night. Dogs were a nuisance, barking at your approach, although not as aggressive as some I have come across.
GPS files of my route can be found on wikiloc.com (clink on links here and here and here), or on ViewRanger, shortcodes johnpon0036, johnpon0037 and johnpon0038.
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