Trail running in Albania should be your next adventure
Exploring the trails of ancient Albania
At Pure Trails, we have been dazzled by the level of empty trails found in Albania. As we ran over a great variety of terrain, following long-forgotten paths with the shard-like summits of the Accursed Mountain ranges peering down on us. It is difficult to comprehend just what we had discovered.
It wasn’t just the landscapes which blew us away. The bubbling hot moussaka which was pulled out of a hot oven and plonked in front of us to eat certainly helped. As did putting our feet up in front of a log fire to rest weary limbs while the sunset serenely over the lush green valley outside the window.
Below are four reasons why exploring this enchanted country is the perfect trail running adventure to kick start your 2020!
For more information about our 2020 Trail Running Albania travel adventure, take a look at the adventure page here, or to book yourself a spot on the trip you can join here.
Empty Trails
When thinking about your next trail running adventure Albania doesn’t usually spring to mind. The Balkan country lies sandwiched between the more popular countries of Croatia and Greece, with the crystal waters of the Ionian and Aegean seas lapping gently against its shores. You’d almost miss it on a map if you were not looking carefully enough.
Dig a little deeper and you’re in for a major surprise. Ever heard of the Albanian Alps? We didn’t think so.
This mountain range is the gatekeeper of the north of Albania, brim-full of hidden valleys and ancient villages that have existed peacefully and unchanged for hundreds of years. If this was in western Europe it would be a flash Swiss-style ski resorts, teeming with tourists and restaurants.
As a result, this hidden mecca is ours for the taking. The quantity and quality of empty trails make trail running in this quiet corner of Albania an utter wonder to behold.
Ancient Ruins lie scattered
Ruins are everywhere.
Albania’s has been on a cross-road of antiquity. The Romans established many cities, barracks and even built the ‘Via Egnatia’ connecting ancient Rome with Constantinople. Further back than that and you have iron and stone-age hill forts peppered amongst the rolling countryside. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the level of untouched curiosities found in close proximity of the trails we will be running on.
It is a startling experience which makes you feel like you a modern pioneer unearthing these ancient wonders for the very first time.
You’ll stay in blissful mountain guest houses
When was the last time you slept in a mountain guesthouse? With the sound of trickling nearby streams and the sound of cowbells ‘ding-donging’ away in the fields outside. There is something incredibly liberating about laying down in your bed in a land where the mountains meet the sky without any other background noise.
You’ve pressed ‘Adventure Mode’.
For us, sleeping in the mountains of Albania after a beautiful day of trail running is an amazing opportunity to embrace.
Trail Run something Extraordinary
This adventure is within everybody’s capabilities. Exploring the mountain scenery with some steep uphills, descents and being ‘generally’ off the beaten track for a few days might sound a touch hard to some, but peel back the skin of the trip and what you’ll find is a trip that will leave a lasting memory on your mind.
The distances are manageable and the way we run our trips lends to complete flexibility. We don’t envisage seeing any other trail runners on the route, save for the occasional trekker who may be in the region. We’ll feel like we have the entire valley to ourselves.
It’s not all about the trail running or the scenery, it’s also about Albania’s overwhelming hospitality. The local people make the trip and are proud to showcase the countries traditions and delicacies. Hot tasty Mediterranean cuisine awaits us at the end of each day - something of a fusion between Greek, Italian and Turkish food - washed down with delicious local wine.
Returning home bursting with smiles and tales of adventure. This is a trip which ticks all of the right boxes.
For more information about our 2020 Trail Run Albania: The Accursed Mountains adventure, take a look at the adventure page here, or to book yourself a spot on the trip you can join here.
As an alternative, why not call the office for a chat? Drop us a line at explore@pure-trails.com or give us a call on +44 0117 251 0039.