Mt. Olympus

An Cuinneach

Okay I know this sounds a bit crazy, but bare with me.

I've been reading up on Mt. Olympus in Greece and a lot of sites seem to suggest that there is an amateur/touristy route to the summit. It involves staying in a lodge half-way up for a night, but it does say that if you leave early the next morning you can ascend and return on the second day by following guided pathways (as in, no actual rockclimbing).

I've done a fair bit of hiking/hillwalking in Ireland, but nothing major. I'm in my early twenties and very fit/healthy.

Do any of you think Mt. Olympus is actually doable as an amateur? It's something I've always wanted to do, but the name always makes me think it would only be for pros....

Any advice??

Mickeroo

Wiki says:

Climbing Mount Olympus is a non-technical hike, except for the final section from Skala summit to Mytikas summit, which is YDS class 3 rock scramble.

It sounds like you can get most of the way to the top without anything technical, grade 3 scramble at the end might be hairy enough, though if its a scramble that generally means you don't need ropes and such if you're confident on your feet. I've climbed Tryfan in Wales a few times which is a scramble, but I think it might only be a grade 1, but I'm pretty sure we touched on some higher grades on the way up too, and it was fine for me. grade 3 could be a good deal more dodgy.

Not sure if that really helps, hopefully someone who's climbed it will chime in

dogmatix

Yes - I did that specific route way back in August 1995. It's tough but easy enough for someone who has no climbing skills. On day 1 we walked up through fragrent pine forest to a basic hostel/lodge, surrounded by pines and perched on a ridge. We stayed overnight in a dormitory and at first light made for the summit. It's not technical - there is a good trail all the way up - takes about 4-5 hours from the lodge (i think - it was 17 years ago!). There is a large flat expense at the top of the switchback trail, good for a rest stop - you then make for the summit along a narrow ridge (which is again not technical but not suitable for people who have no head for heights).

You can get a cooked meal in the lodge - its basic but filling. At the time all food and drink had to be deleivered by Donkey as there are no raods - might have changed by now.

Be warned - it gets cold at night in lodge, even in August in Greece and you can expect to still find snow in shaded areas near the summit. A good quality fleece and waterproof jacket are a must.

The early morning ascent to the summit I found hard (and I was well fit in 1995) but should be within the capabilities of a reasonably fit person.

After that we walked down, past the lodge to a road where a hired bus picked us up.

BTW - sunrise is not to be missed as the sun paints the summit golden from our start position at the lodge.

An Cuinneach

That's great to hear guys! Thanks for the feedback. I'm definitely aiming for it now!

garbanzo

An Cuinneach wrote: »

That's great to hear guys! Thanks for the feedback. I'm definitely aiming for it now!

Did you do it in the end An Cuinneach? It’s just come onto my radar as a possibility later this year.

garbanzo

I ended up doing this and it was a tough but great experience. Highly recommend it.