Dorian Paths on the Mornos Valley Section of the Pindus Trail
It wasn`t long ago that we first heard about a hiking group from Dorida, actively working to care for the region`s mountain trails. Mount Giona and the Vardousia Mountains are their home, while the Mornos River—the river that filled their childhoods with memories, stories, and legends—remains at the heart of their connection to this landscape.
Recently, the group, known as Dorian Paths (Dorida region), invited us to join them in the annual maintenance and the remaining restoration work on the Mornos Trail, which links the villages of Sykia, Kato Mousounitsa, and Athanasios Diakos in the regional unit of Phocis.
It was only the second time in the eight years of our volunteer work in the Pindus Mountains that we had received such an invitation. The first was in Domnista, Evrytania, following the initiative of the president of the neighboring village of Skopia. His call was warmly embraced by the people of the nearby village, and the project turned into a wonderful success. What both occasions had in common was something truly special: in neither case did the volunteers come to maintain the trails of their own village. Instead, they chose to care for the trails of a neighboring community, embracing the spirit of selfless service in its purest form.
Naturally, we were delighted to accept Dorida`s invitation. We met in Sykia and made our way to the point where the Lazorema stream meets the Mornos River. There, for three days, we built our own small community founded on generosity, friendship, and a shared love for this place, its history, and its remarkable trails. The members of Dorida Paths invited family members, friends, relatives, and fellow hikers—people who have come to appreciate the traditions of Dorida through the group`s guided walks and outdoor activities—to join the effort.
Beyond the significant progress achieved on the trail itself, those three days created a meaningful bond between our team and the local residents, many of whom were eager to learn more about the trail and about the work our volunteers have been carrying out over the past years to revive and preserve beautiful, historically significant paths that had been lost beneath dense vegetation.
People from Lidoriki joined us, bringing local products, their kindness, and a strong helping hand. The group`s invitation also attracted friends from Athens, as well as volunteers from Colombia, the Netherlands, and Sudan.
As always, the people of Sykia welcomed everyone with exceptional hospitality, once again providing meals for the volunteers and supporting this shared effort to bring the historic trails back to life.
Words cannot fully express the gratitude we feel for this wonderful experience. We sincerely hope that the inspiring example set by the people of Dorida will encourage other communities along the route of the Great Pindus Trail to become equally involved in caring for and celebrating this remarkable long-distance path.
Thank you, Dorida!
The operational expenses and trail-marking materials required to complete the Sykia – Kato Mousounitsa – Athanasios Diakos daily section were generously sponsored by Nak Insurance, https://www.nakinsurance.gr/en/ and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their support.
We are also grateful to the Greek sportswear manufacturer Anthrax Machines, https://shopanthrax.com/ which once again stood by this initiative by offering symbolic gifts to every volunteer. ✌️
