Maja e Qorres - 2000 Meter above the Ionian Sea

Many travellers make it over the Llogara Pass, and their gaze is usually drawn to the sandy beaches and blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Unless, of course, they hold tight to the steering wheel and fix their attention on the winding road. The pass climbs to an altitude of 1000 Meter, and many find the altitude dizzying. Few travellers know, that another 1000 Meter higher, Maja e Qorres is in relatively easy reach offering even more astounding views. Maja e Qorres is only a few Meters lower than Maja e Cikës, separated from it through a 3.5 kilomters long ridge.

Many mountain hikers tend to study the weather forecast for temperature and rainfall. At Llogara Pass and Maja e Qorres, it pays to study also the strength of the expected wind. Even on the Llogara Pass, at half the height of Maja e Qorres, the wind can be fierce while those at Dhermi Beach below are roasting in the sun.

Maja e Qorres lies in the Llogara National Park which has many wonderful old pine trees. The predominant strong winds have caused the trees to bend into interesting shapes.

To climb Maja e Qorres, one doesn't really need a GPS device. The climb is very straightforward, and follows a visible trail for the first half of the hike. On the upper reaches, the trail becomes more indistinct, but the direction is generally up. We climbed Qorres while it had snow cover on many parts, and especially around the summit area the coordinates might have strayed off the path. Having said this, it probably is a good idea to take a GPS, in case of swirling clouds or fog causing poor visibility.

The weather can change rapidly in the coastal mountains, and one should make plans to return from the mountain around mid-day.

When hiking up, at waypoint "point 1" a trail joins from the left. We tried it on our way down, but got lost in a maze of fallen trees and shrubs.

At "fork 1" a mule trail leads to the left. It climbs gently. It will join the main trail again at "fork 2". The main trail is also a mule trail, for mules with low gears and differential lock. Those who want to save some energy for the summit go left, and those with little time go right on the main trail.