Zaranika Ramble

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Zaranika Ramble

Summary: After two months inactivity, caused by rain, work and travel, we finally got a nice sunny winter Sunday. We opted for a slow start - a ramble - in the hills on the west side of the Durishit Ridge.

We always thought to do this or a similar when nobody had a really good idea. But this hike is a good idea! It opens up to the hiker the wondwerful world of the steep eroded hills of clay that stretch from Petrele to the coast (see related hikes to Altata and Gallushit). We actually thought of calling this hike "erosion ramble", because it provides fantastic views and some exciting moments on the trail.

The hike doesn't lead over a summit, but offers dramatic views nevertheless. It also leads through ancient small villages, with abandonned houses but also people that are determined to stay and not to give up. Not immediately apparent when you preview the hike on google-earth, much of the hike is through pine forests, which the residents are careful not to cut as they kepp the fragile soil together. The trail also leads through many olive groves, and in January people were busy to collect the last fruits and prepare the trees for the next season.

The hike uses some gravel road (we didn't meet a single car), but also leads close to the edge, and in a few places across the top of steeply eroded parts, on narrow trails that can be difficult when wet. Because of this, we rated the hike as moderate, though the exposed parts are only a few meter.

The trail also leads past the main gate of the ancient city of Përsqop (see separate trails), and those with time on their hands can explore those treasures or connect this trail with others in the area.

It is a little curiosity that water is available close to the highest point of the trail!

The trailhead can be reached by driving to Petrele. Before reaching the last switchbacks, a signposted asphalt road leads to the right to Zaranika, which is the name of the river and the village where the hike starts.

The Drive to the trailhead: Leave Tirana for Elbasan, and turn into the direction of Petrele. Follow the trail, which also is possible with a regular sedan car

Maximum altitude:	262 meter
Minimum altitude:	142 meter
Cumulative height:	153 meter
Cumulative length:	5.45 kilometers
Difficulty	easy
Time:	20 minutes
Date of this record	January 2013
Download GPS info:	To Zaranika

The Hike:

Maximum altitude:	516 meter
Minimum altitude:	169 meter
Cumulative height:	410 meter
Cumulative length:	8.78 kilometers
Difficulty	moderate
Time:	4 hours
Date of this record	January 2013
Download GPS info:	Zaranika Ramble

General location and approach: The hike is generally west of Petrele and east of Balldushk. The trailhead can be reached from Tirana in about 40 minutes.

Other Information: You could also start the hike in Petrele. The advantage is that can end your trip in a restaurant and have refreshments. The disadvantage is that you will have to gain most of the altitude towards the end of the hike.

In summer it might be possible to drive a hundred or so meter further, across the Zaranika river...

In winter and after the rains, this footbridge across Zaranika River, constructed from the frame of an old truck, will do perfectly

View back to where we came from. The trailhead is near the wall of the small dam

View east, to the two parts (northern - left and southern - right) of the Durishit ridge. The traverse along the ridge is one of the top hikes in the vicinity of Tirana.

Approaching the first houses (belonging to commune Petrele) on the Përsqop hill. Once you at the house, a few hundred meter to the left is Petrele, where you can stop for drink. But don't forget to continue the journey - the best is still to come!

Having reached the dirt road from Petrele. This is an unusual view towards the rocks of Petrele Castle.

The old gate of the ancient city of Përsqop. See also other trails on this website that explore more sites belonging to this city.

This also is an unusual view of Përsqop - which appears much more prominent from the south than when viewed from Tirana or Petrele. Pieces of the old wall - the gate - are on the left slope of the hill (just above where the road becomes less visible). The hill can also be climbed, providing great views across Petrele and of course Tirana.

View of Durishit Village, with the Durishit ridge behind.

ILong stretches of the trail lead through olive groves.

In the village of Shënkoll. The trail passes the green field in the center of the image, and continues towards the left on top of the eroded parts.

Dramatic views across the ravines. The rocks and castle of Petrele are barely visible, and appear tiny compared to the canyons and the spectacle they provide

The trail, aside from the dirt roads near Durishit ridge, are generally pleasant and easy to follow. There are a few short stretches where caution is advised.

GPS and trailmaps: The map and trailinformation is generated by , based on GPS information collected from the actual hike. Waypoints can be downloaded to a GPS device from Wikiloc. If necessary, use GPSBabel to convert GPS data to different formats. For more hike descriptions by Palmtreetreeproduction, browse this website or visit Wikiloc and search for "Palmtreeproduction". You may also find nearby trails from other authors.

Google Earth: You may also view the trail in 3D when viewing it in Google Earth, which you need to have installed on your computer. The 3D perspective allows a good preview of gradients, steepness, possible views and is generally helpful when planning a trip.