We called it Bald Head - Shirokë

Bald Head has been our working title for Shirokë (or Maja e Shirokut) ever since we saw it first from Guri i Zi (see wikiloc #3241591). Its appearance - at least from Guri i Zi - is very striking. It sits in the middle of a (still) heavily forested area, somehow in the middle of the virtual triangle that connects Librazhd, Gramsh and Pogradec.

Shirokë belongs to the mountain range that starts near Elbasan with Mali i Bukanikut (wikiloc #3245448), Mali i Polisit (wikiloc #4481881) and nearby Maja e Gafferit (wikiloc #4941172)- often collectively referred to as Shpat. South of Shirokë is Guri i Zi and further on Valamares (wikiloc #1846201).

The entire area still has a lot of timber, and it shows. Logging roads criss-cross the valleys and up the mountains, and during your trip you are likely to hear every now and then the noise of chainsaws and heavy equipment. We do believe in well planned forest management that protects the interest of both the people living there and those interested in environmental protection and sustainable growth. How to strike the best balance must become subject of public discussion where every party receives a fair hearing, and where a vision for sustainable growth - once agreed - is pursued and enforced.

The approach to Shirokë is very scenic, including the varied views to the Holta Gorge. The approach is described under wikiloc #7156422. Also the views from the summit of Shirokë are excellent.

This is a short hike, much of it in the shade of trees. At waypoint A, which is at the crossing of forest roads, take care to find the footpath going up the ridge. Don't miss it. There is open grazing near the waypoint E-Stan. From there, bushwhack through steep forest, and finish with a short scramble to the summit of Shirakë.