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Return to Gingilos summit the same way.

Return to Xyloscala the same way you came up.

Direct route to Omalos

For Omalos direct (instead of Xyloscala) peel off down the spur above the road. Keep to the spine of this ridge right to its end, where you have a bird’s-eye view of the plateau. Before reaching this viewpoint, you will pass a ruined shepherds’ hut on the left. A huge and very old circular water cistern is also nearby. Note the layout of the plateau’s service tracks, because once you are on level ground you will not be able to see the track you want to use. At the viewpoint, cross over to the left for the final descent on a slope that is free of undergrowth. At the bottom, follow sheep paths that link to a dirt road, where you turn right.

WALK 4

Xyloscala to Kallergi Refuge

Start Xyloscala 1240m (4068ft) Finish Kallergi Refuge 1680m (5511ft) Distance 3km (1¾ miles) Grade A Time 2hrs Highest point Kallergi Refuge 1680m (5511ft) Height gain 440m (1443ft) Access KTEL Omalos bus or taxi from Chania Access to finish From Trek 6A, or shepherds’ road from Omalos

The red-roofed Kallergi Refuge, perched high on the northwest rim of the Samaria Gorge, was built in 1971 and later leased to mountain guide Joseph Schwemburger, who ran it as an Alpine-style catering enterprise for many years. Attracting walking groups and individual trekkers, it is now managed by the Greek Mountaineering Association (Mountain Club of Chania), its facilities and purpose remaining the same. It is open to passers-by from April to October (and at weekends in winter). For reservations (2015) tel: 6976 585849 but visit the Kallergi website for latest information. Facilities include full board and private bunkroom, or a roof-space dormitory. Bottled water, refreshments and meals are available to passers-by. This is a popular base for the ascents of Melendaou and Gingilos, requiring a two- or three-night stay, and is also a stopping point on the trekking route to Katsiveli and beyond (Trek 6). A shepherds’ road (not for taxis) serves the refuge before continuing on to Poria under the northern flank of Melendaou.