Peloponese Rally 2012 – N Navarino Activities
There are two activities available in N Navarino bay, both
involving walks. First is a morning climb to the ruins of the
old Pylos Castle with a scramble down past a large cave;
second is an evening’s level walk, bird watching.
Castle Walk
Prep. You’ll need good walking boots or trainers, and your
lower legs should be covered to prevent them being
scratched by the undergrowth. 10:00am is the recommended
start time – it’s cooler on the climb! Take water and
swimming gear, and consider if you want to picnic in
Voïdokilia rather than returning to lunch aboard.
The Climb is moderate gradient along a narrow rocky path
to the castle. This takes about 30 minutes if you’re in a rush,
50 minutes at a gentle pace. Turn left, and keep left until
you reach the castle gate.
The Castle. At the castle, ignore the “Danger, No Entry”
sign, but look above the make sure no rocks are likely to
fall from the arch above you! Work north through the ruins,
admire the old water cistern, and enjoy some great views of
the surrounding countryside. Say, 30 minutes.
The Scramble Down. Some agility and care is needed for
the scramble down the north face to Nestor’s cave. If you
can make the first 20m after a hole in the castle wall and
down some rocks, that’s about as difficult as it gets. If that’s
too much for you, go back the way you came and walk
around the lagoon to Voïdokilia. Say, 20 minutes to reach
Nestor’s cave, then 10 minutes gawping around the cave.
To Voïdokilia, From the cave to the beach is more gentle,
about 15 minutes to the sand dunes. It’s now mid-day,
you’re hot, and ready for a swim. Pause for as long as you
want. If the wind is strong, you may have to walk to the far
side of the bay to avoid sand-blasting.
Going Back. Head south through the dunes. You may feel
lost among the many tracks, but keep the lagoon to the left,
and the cliff to the right, and you’ll arrive near the boats 25
minutes later.
Bird Watching
Prep. This is an easy level walk along prepared paths
alongside the lagoon, ending at a viewing platform that can
fit about 6 people at once. Consider binoculars, bird books
and (if the wind has dropped) plaster yourself with antimidge cream or travel with covered limbs! Depart about an
hour before sunset.
It’s about 15 minutes walk to the platform. You’ll startle
lots of kingfishers on the way out, and those walking in
front may disturb some snakes or lizards. Hedgehogs and
tortoises are common. You’ll see lots of wading birds,
herons and ibis, and sometimes flamingos. On the way back
pine martens, polecats, stoats and weasels appear at dusk,
but they’re easily frightened by any noise. Foxes are rather
less shy.