Text: Chrysanna Samara, Katerina Pantazi
Photos: Chrysanna Samara, Antonis Sassalos, Katerina Pantazi
English translation: Katerina Pantazi

On Sunday, November 24th, we held the 17th maintenance hike for 2024 in southeastern Andros, specifically on route 3 from the Kiosk in Dipotamata to Ormos Korthiou. This route is part of the continuous 100km cross Andros track called “Andros Route”, which has received the distinguished European Leading Quality Trails-Best of Europe certification from the European Ramblers Association.

The group was large, the mood, despite the cloudy weather and strong wind, was very enthusiastic and high. 17 hikers and Robbie the dog were gathered from the following areas: Ormos Korthiou, Amonakliou, Kapparia, Gavrio, Stivari, Kypri, Apatouria, Batsi, Fellos. Once again, in our company we also had fans of maintenance hikes who traveled from Athens especially for the hike. With us was a robust hiker over 80 years old who accompanied us on part of the route.

At 10.15 we were at the starting point of the route at the kiosk in Dipotamata where Chrysanna Samara, in her debut as the Route Angel of the route, welcomed the group. She emphasized the importance of the area as Dipotamata, in addition to being a wildlife refuge and an area of ​​rich vegetation, is a historical route which until the 1970s was the only connection between Korthi and Chora. The largest part of the path is cobblestone and its narrow configuration proves that it was a designated path for daily use. The stone arched bridge and the ruins of the 22 watermills in the Dipotamata valley with its rich waters are of great historical and cultural importance.

Our first stop could not be but at the stone arched bridge where Iraklis Gavras, an experienced stone craftsman from Amonakliou, told stories about it and how important the path was for transportation until the 1970s when the asphalt road was opened. At the watermill right next to the bridge, Iraklis explained to us in detail its construction and how it works to produce flour and bread for passersby.

Then we continued the uphill route against the strong cold wind where, after a short stop for a snack to gain strength, the group split up. Those who wanted to reach Upper Castle and the rest headed towards Kochylou. At the Upper Castle, while we enjoyed the breathtaking view, Iraklis told us about the history of this place that was created during the Venetian occupation and where after the 16th century the locals found refuge from the Turks. Inside the castle, in addition to the church of Faneromeni which operates to this day and celebrates on August 15, there is an old settlement, a church, cisterns (water tanks), a rain collector as well as walls and a fortified shelter are preserved.

At the always hospitable traditional cafe in Kochylou, the group stopped for raki and coffee accompanied by sunflower seeds, bread, cheese and schnitzel along with delicious cookies that they treated us to. Kochylou is a village built at the foot of the mountain with a panoramic view of Ormos and approximately 248 warm permanent residents. So there we were met by the Deputy Mayor of Andros, Spyros Tsaousis from Syneti, who spoke about the history of the path and the area. Giving many details, he emphasized the enormous value and importance of the path we were walking.

Starting our journey again towards Ormos Korthiou, we descended the paved road, refreshed and rejuvenated. The wind had died down, it was getting dark and we enjoyed the view of Ormos while we continued to maintain the route (signs & markings). At the end of the hike in Ormos Korthiou, amidst laughter and teasing, just like new and old friends united by love for the paths of Andros do, we said goodbye. Until the next time we meet to walk new routes together and discover more Andros!

The path is in very good condition and after the above maintenance hike where we pruned, collected 2-3 bags of trash and replaced worn signs, it is now in excellent condition.

Many thanks to everyone who participated, Iraklis Gavras and the Deputy Mayor Spyros Tsaousis for sharing personal stories and their knowledge about this iconic path and the wider area.

We look forward to the next maintenance hike on Saturday, December 7th!