Take A Walk on the Wild Side

The Wild Horses of Ainos

The Ainos National Park covers a vast area of Kefalonia, so not surprisingly there is more than one route you can take to enter the park. After enjoying the journey to the summit of Ainos, which I still look at in awe when I see it from varying parts of the island, I decided I would like to explore its vicinity in more detail, so on our next trip, we discovered a different part of the magical forest.

From Skala we took the road that runs to Argostoli. We passed through Katelios and turned right towards the Church of the Virgin Mary and the village of Arginia. This road winds its way through pretty villages and slowly creeps up through the mountains of Ainos. There are plenty of places you can pull over and stop to admire the views on the way up too, it is a really pleasant drive.

When you leave the village of Arginia, the roads get a little narrower and well, to put it bluntly very bumpy. The road is more of a shingle track in places, and there are lots of steep corners, but take it steady and you can pass it. Our trusty and dusty car 'Bluey' as he is affectinately known managed it without any trouble. The road continues to climb into the mountains, and after 3 or 4 km later, we pulled over and left the car at the side of the road, and climbed out to take a walk.

The walk into Ainos here is not so steep. It is on an incline, but anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy should be able to tackle it. From this side of the mountain, you can also access the forest. Once you reach the forest, there are signs with details of trails, which looks complicated, but should be easy to anyone used to reading this type of map. If you would like to consider a walking guide here, I definitely know a man who can!

In terms of shade, the path up to Ainos was not very forgiving. I was thankful for the cool cover of the Kefalonian pine trees once we had reached the forest. The walk in the forest was relaxing and easy due to the cool air. The whole day had been harmonious. I was still chilled and happy and overwhelmed at how easy we got along. No hassle or pressure ,we chatted or we didn't, and both lead to a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, neither of us were worried if we stepped into a comfortable silence. This adventure was the next stage on the road to me getting fit. I found this a very enjoyable walk, and although zesty (hot!) I was determined to make the most of it. Fitness goals were now forming in my mind and I found my companion very motivating. We walk at our own pace with lots of friendly banter telling me to hurry up, and pushing me to go further. The previous days exercise I had endured definitely helped my case. I would recommend anyone wanting to get fit to start with just twenty to thirty minutes of walking every day. It does not feel like it is helping but if you can just devote a bit of time and you want it badly enough, I promise that it will all help.

Whilst on this side of the mountain we were hoping to get a view of the mysterious wild ponies of Ainos. These hardy horses have adapted to the arduous conditions of Ainos and have survived there for decades. We spotted lots of signs that they were around somewhere, i.e their manure!, but after two and a half hours of walking, we were not lucky enough to spot the horses themselves. On our return leg, we visited the old monastery only a slight deviation off the path. Even though the monastery isn't in use, they still host village events there, name days etc. we pushed open the rusty gates and admired the view, imagining what it would have been like when it was habited. We walked around the grounds, now overgrown and slightly dilapidated, but this only added to the charm of the place. The surrounding walls of the monastery were crumbling away in places, and we were cautious when leaning on them to admire the scenery around us.

We traversed back across the open space where the monks would once have sat to the old church that adjoins the monastery. We pushed the door to the church and was surprised that it opened so easily. The dark air escaped, and he peered his head around the door. I almost jumped out of my skin as he pulled back from the door and let out a small scream. When I had recovered myself, I asked what was wrong. A small snake had made itself known and slithered behind the radioator next to the door. Snakes are not something I have encountered much in my life and not a creature I am particularly fond of, and neither is my beloved I have since learned. We looked at each other, and laughed nervously, however we decided to be brave and venture inside. The snake was bound to be more scared of us than the other way around. The church was simply beautiful inside, delicate and ornately decorated as most orthodox buildings are. We admired the beautiful interior and donated some euros in the collection box. Before we left, we lit a candle for us and symbolically left our flame burning in the church on the mountain.

Happily, we continued the journey to the car, and I promised myself there and then that my life would change. I would continue the good work we had started in Kefalonia on my return to the UK. Excercising had always been a fad to me, but no longer. I was going to incorporate this into my every day life, along with healthy eating and a new zest for life. The feeling that I got from exercising was amazing, a genuine high. I know I sound like I am over enthusing for it but please give it a  try. You won't be sorry!