The Ultimate Full-Length Durisht (Petrela) Ridge Hike

We are not prone to exaggeration, but this is one of the most engaging ridge walks on offer near Tirana. There are always great ridge walks, but this one can beat many others hands down. More than 10 kilometer long, and almost every meter is a pleasant and often engaging hike. But beware, just when you are proud of yourself of having reached one or more of the many summits, usually a view opens up exposing even more kilometers of beautiful (and sometimes steep) ridgewalking. Most hikers in Tirana will end up at one time or the other in Petrele or nearby, and will do shorter loop hikes in the area. We also had done all parts of this hike before, in bits and pieces, but now decided do do it in one go.

The trail follows , for most parts and after having left the radio tower behind, on top of the ridge itself. If not sure where to go, the top of the ridge is usally the best way to go. One notable exception is the descend from the highest summit, near the south end of the hike, where the trails runs west of the actual ridge. 

Some parts of the trail are exposed and may not suitable for children. Overall, the trail while "only" about 10 kilometer in length, requires stamina. Reward yourself with lamb-meat and a large kriegel of beer at the restaurant at the trail end.

Of course it is possible to do the hike in reverse. The bonus is that you have good views on Tirana for much of the way, and that you hike more down than up. The bad news is that route-finding is a bit more complicated near the Pass that separates the northern half from the southern half of the ridge.

For more details, visit: http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/Petrela%20ridge/Petrele%20ridge%20gallery.html .