A few thoughts: We have only done this walk in early June when hours of daylight aren't a major consideration. First thing is to check that you'll have enough light to get down to the Omalos if you encounter any delays along the way. As early a start as you can persuade your 4x4 driver to make would...

If you do think about approaching from the west we'd suggest Paleochora rather than Sougia as your starting point. If the wind did blow up, as happened to us a few years ago, the Samaria could miss out the Sougia stop and go straight from Paleo to Roumeli. That leaves you sitting on the quay at Soug...

You will have to contact Anopoli rooms and ask what they charge. I'd assume something, but probably less expensive than a freelancing shephard. They charge in the region of €50 (last time I checked). I guess that was a while ago - the costs to them (petrol, vehicle depreciation - those shepherds' r...

Both books were self published so will probably be in short supply. Abe Books UK lists copies from Australian sources - the books themselves aren't unreasonably priced but of course postage costs to Europe/UK are high.

I've just seen Erno's post on the main forum saying that accommodation in Sfakia is becoming fully booked this mornth and next. If you can't find a room in Sfakia itself, as you have a hire car you could try Anopolis - O Platanos taverna in the main square or the Anopolis Taverna and Rooms just 100m...

One day hike you might consider is from the north end of Askifou plateau, across the plateau and down the Imbros Gorge. From the bottom of that gorge you can walk, hitch a lift of (maybe) catch a bus to Chora Sfakion (which, by the way, is called Sfakia locally). It isn't a difficult walk but it's p...

Thanks Jane. I hope your legs have stopped aching now. so you're just left with the good memories.

Thanks very much for atking the time to reply. I'll pass on the info to our friend.

Best wishes

Jan

Thanks.

Did you notice whether or not the Gorge ticket office has moved? The building itself has been there for a few years but usually closed/deserted.

Posted on behalf of a friend - I haven't been on the Omalos this year so can't give her a definitive answer. Our friend has been told that the ticket office for the Gorge has been moved to the Natural History museum/exhibition whose entrance is a little way back down the road from Xyloskala towards ...