Peak of Omanite
Omanite does not stand out in White Mountains when it comes to altitude - 1187 meters above sea level where couple of summits exceed 2000 meters. Also it is not really popular peak which I could tell by the looks that farmers gave me on the way. Nevertheless, if you're desperate for a mountain trip, stay in Crete for limited time in the area of Rethymno and higher summits are unavailable because there is snow and you lack proper winter mountain shoes and a partner (now you know my story) that could be a good choice.
Most of the path will be a nice gravel road which is fit for a car meaning it won't your knees much on descent and won't make you breath heavily going up. But that also kills the spirit once you see a Toyota pickup with 10 sheeps in the trunk passing you by. Some part is totally off track and you will need to make your way through the rocks on your own, but the terrain is not that demanding. Keep in mind that the full trip is 1500 meters of ascent total, though lack of steepness makes it approachable.
Views offered by the summit are limited by higher neighbouring mountains to the west, however in other directions are quite spectacular and unique, especially in northern direction with over 1000 meters altitude difference looking at Cretan Sea and southern looking at Kryoneritis range.
Warm but cloudy and windy, above 1000 meters very strong wind making the hike unpleasant with difficulty to walk and even keep balance at times
At times partially marked but marking in bad condition. Beginning of the trail is in bad condition, lots of dead trees, branches and vegetation. Once on gravel road the trip gets easier. Sadly there is a bit of asphalt to walk on descent. Occasional patches of snow above 1000m, sometimes knee deep
Probably in Asia Gonia that lies on the path
Car left in front of chapel just next to the local road running from Argyroupoli Springs to Asia Gonia.
If I had one more shot to try it I wouldn't make a loop trail, rather to-fro finishing on Omanite peak. Rest of the way gets tedious with numerous asphalt serpentines I tried to shorten somehow and then is more asphalt in the countryside just after Asia Gonia. I enjoyed the scenery but if you are after typical mountain views I would suggest to finish on Omanite and get back the same way.
No dangers
trekking poles, 20l rucksack
