Seven thirty, the earliest start yet! There are three of us, and we have generally booked two apartments or two rooms, so we each get a bit of privacy (and a better nights sleep) every three days, on strict rotation. Last night was my turn for my own apartment, and we agreed a 7:30 to 8:45 start. So last night with some space, I did all my washing, and I was just packing it up, with everything else, when there was a knock at the door at 7:15, “we are ready when you are”. So after a bit of accelerated packing I was ready at 7:25 and we were off walking. The sun was just rising over the Greek/Albania mountains on the mainland.

The first part of the walk (in fact all morning) was a hard slog. Initially up to our diversion point yesterday, which took about an hour, 250 metres of climbing in just 2.6 kilometres. This theme would continue, with some sections requiring many hours of slog, both up and down, but not resulting in any appreciable gain in distance. That said, the next part was through amazing woodland (probably old olive groves) mixed with massive limestone our crops, it really was a sight.

The climbing continued with a big effort through narrow winding paths up to, what I think we are all secretly hoping is THE, a highpoint at the monastery Moni Pantokratoros and the radar “golf ball” at 530 metres AB (Above Benitses ;) – it seemed further!).

We had a quick break at the chapel before heading down, which was much worse! A continous narrow stoney path zig-zagging down the hill between olive trees. I tripped a few times and saved myself with my poles, but Mick took a purler, luckily un-hurt, and later I slipped and grazed a knee. When you get tired, these paths are really tricky. We stopped for breakfast in Agii Deka, with a traditional chocolate croissant and a coffee. These hill villages seem to be frozen in time, which is really nice.

The route eased up after this point, there were still plenty of ups and downs but nothing too challenging. The views, both across the wooded island to the east coast, and back towards the west and Corfu Town were amazing.

We reached to town of Sinarades, just as the church bell rang 1:25, which must be a special time on a Sunday!! This looks like a special hill town, with a huge clock tower, a folk museum (if only there was enough time) and a few cafes. We stopped for sandwiches and ginger beer (or milkshakes) which were needed after such a hot day.

The final run took us towards the coast, with rolling paths and excellent views taking us towards Kontogialos, our destination for this evening. We found the hotel, which was pretty close to the beach, so a quick check-in  followed by a swim was a perfect reset.

We had dinner at the hotel, which apparently has  one of the best sunset views (here, in Corfu, ever? so many questions). Unfortunately with dinner at 6:30 we just missed the main event – doh!