Killini

GPX

This mountain is sometimes called Kyllinh or/and Zhreia, both names are correct although I believe that Zhreia refers to both massifs and Kyllinh only to this.

This naming refers to the peak just across the Flambouritsa gorge, you can clearly make out the mountain whilst on the Zhreia plateau. The mountain rises 2117m above sea level. It is considerably harder than this mountain, accenting a massive 1500m gain. The mountain is E from big Zhreia.

 

Is a gorge that separates big and small Zhreia, situated E from big Zhreia. It has a river and multiple waterfalls. The hiking paths run around 11-20km and pass through amazing nature and show a view of the barren mountain that is rarely seen. There are currently 3 trails that run through the gorge. You can take them from the Zhreia ski resort chalet at ( https://goo.gl/maps/MxrMaPsm8VS2 ). This is a well-recommended hike since it offers an amazing hike through a beautiful gorge without anyone else on the mountain.

 

Mount Killini is the name that refers to this specific peak/mountain, the name is derived from the Greek word 'Κυλος' that means 'Scars' thus it is referred to as the scarred mountain due to the wild and very rugged south face.

Getting There

Route

This is the part of the hike you can skip. The main parking area is the big parking space under the "ski resort" on the one side of the plateau. By parking there you 'lock' your self into walking a one hour trough section towards the refuge that is about 2.4km, if you have a 4x4 in your disposal you could be able to drive through the field cutting that hour of your hike. The section ends at the refuge where the second section starts. 

Rock Trail

This is a very annoying part of the hike, a steep rocky section that runs for about 1km, it is easy to navigate. Progress is very slow and usually takes about 1 hour. The trail here is very well marked and offers amazing views of the other (northern) mountains. It is considered the "worst" part of the hike although it has amazing scenery.

The rocky section on descent with view of the refuge and the traverse of the creek

The Grasslands

This is a rather easy section, it is rather exposed and there isn't any clear trail outlined on the ground but navigating is easy and the angle isn't big and thus it is a scenic and not to interesting section. It is usual to complete the 1km withing 45 mins. 

Trail markings on the way up.

 As you can tell the trail isnt any hard task but beware due to the animals that live in the plateau below there is a lot of cow and hosre shit littering the fields, be on the lookout. 

View of the peak (the left one from the top two) from the grassland traverse

The last section of the grasslands and the peak, the section ends on the obvious road you can make out from the picture

Summit Trail (Last Assent)

This part is a pain in the a** since i can't put it any better, it is a steep rocky un clear section that runs on a saddle spine running up to the summit. To enter the trail get on the road after the small field with the info plaque, pass the creek bed on your left and continue up the road (after the turn) the trail should be obviously outlined on the left (red signs) or use these (37.935257, 22.405543) this part is 1km and runs for about 1 hour. It is exhausting and vertical but with a slow pace it is an enjoyable summit run.

The exposed accent with view of the summit

 Beware, this part of the hike is as mentioned exposed, northern cold winds hit the assent so have something warm ready. 

The peak (left) from the saddle

Red Tape

There is no red tape on the mountain although the mountain is a Natura 2000 protecting 89 plant species, 8 mammals, 4 amphibians and 4 reptiles. So please leave nothing behind and do not interfere with nature. Also, a small part of the trail passes through private property, nothing to worry about just don't annoy the owner.

Useful Coordinates

When to Climb

any springs on the mountain. There is only a small 30 mins section that is under the shade and thus the hike takes a big toll on you. Summiting the mountain on full snow coverage shouldn't be too hard although usage of crampons, ice axe and necessary equipment should be brought. Note that on the last part of the hike that is very steep use of the ice axe to help with the angle should be necessary. Skiing the beautiful north face of Zhreia is hard and filled with colours perfect for powder days. In spring summiting would be rather amazing as there are multiple creeks and canyons that would have running water after the snow melts.

 

Well, this is a long hike compared to others that I have done and posted; so what will you need to stand at the summit of Zhreia?

Considering the altitude, position, exposure and distance clothing is pretty standard.

• Wind shield jacket
• Warm pants
• Full face, or-and beanie
• Gloves
• Ski mask or sun glasses
• Hat
• Good heavy boots or high end trail shoes
• 1.5L of water
• Food (pack one small snack per section and a bigger meal /toast etc./ for the summit)
• First aid (mainly migraine relif pills)
• camera

These are mainly essentials for this mountain, winter climbing requires just crampons and maybe a piolet.

 

Weather

Due to its geographic position the summit is exposed to high winds, cold temperatures and a lot of snow. Usually, after the warm and arid Greek summers, the mountain turns cold and arid until December and then turns back in April. Here you can find the weather for the mountain.

The snowfall on the mountain starts usually in late December and persists through the winter months. The best snow conditions (largest snowfall and best snowpack) would be during February or late January storms. 

 

There shouldn't be any problem for summiting in any not to say all conditions, only on the saddle there are some steep points on the north, use a good GPS and you can summit even in crazy thick fog

Camping

Resources

Summit camp: This is the best camping spot; there is a small stone wall under the summit that is good enough for camping. Since this position is on the trail it offers good entry and exit but also great views. As mentioned below you should bring water all the way up here. (37.939458, 22.396058) 

 

Cool Cave: Found this rock/cave while descending off trail, it offers good wind protection and very nice space that is enclosed and safe. Just off the road and at a good altitude. (37.934874, 22.398160) 

External Links

PeakBagger