The Railway Path

The Railway Path An atmospheric and very beautiful path in Central Greece is the Railway path. With a history that begins in the 19th century, specifically at the end of 1890, workers transport rails and materials for the construction of the train line that will connect Piraeus to Volos.

They open tunnels, drill rocks, dig, and move in a very difficult and impassable section through Oiti and Kallidromos. The specific section where the Kato Tithorea and Lianokladi railway line was built, specifically in the section between Asopou and Trachina stations, and which is preserved to this day, was named “Railway Path” by the local residents.

When Charilaos Trikoupis completed the law for the completion of the railway, this area of ​​Fthiotida, however, from Bralos to Lianokladi, proved to be so difficult that not only was the delivery time extended, but there were also constant changes in contracting companies. The impressive 2 kilometer long tunnel of Bralos, the beautiful bridge of Papadia as well as the abandoned stations of the area offer the visitor incredible images.

Now, as far as this route is concerned, it can be done in 2-3 different ways, either starting from Pavliani, the Two Mountains, or from Heraklion. The route that starts from Heraklia initially follows a rural road and, climbing up to about 900 meters, the path begins, which runs parallel to the gorge. During our movement on the path we will see the excellence nature unfolds with caves, green nature, the stone volumes the sounds of the canyon and the hawks flying above the canyon.

The nature together with the bridges and the stone architectures of the line in the galleries combine with such harmony that the result is unique. The time it will take one to reach the abandoned stations is about 2 hours, and the length is about 5 km. The return, depending on the ability of the group and the season, can be done either through the canyon or from the original road.

At the end of the hike, the visitor should go to recover in the thermal waters of the Damastas baths, also known as Psoroneria. The initial marking and placing of aids in the gorge was done by the Lamia Mountaineering Association. B.O.A.X.T (Base Outdoor Activities Expedition Team) in 2020 maintained part of the trail that starts from Two Mountains, cleaned the entire length of the trail from trash and installed ropes on difficult passages to make them more safe.

Extra tips

Visit to the village and its charming railway station, in the carriages of which a museum is expected to be organized. Visit to Gravia, known for its Hani, where the great battle under Odysseus Androutsos took place. Visit to Gorgopotamos to admire the homonymous bridge