The paths which crisscross Mount Pelion were the only form of transport link up to the 1950s, excepting the Heritage Train line, built in 1898-1905.  These paths, some of them cobbled with close-fitting stones, are ancient routes used by mules and people but not wheeled vehicles.   They are often a much quicker way to get from Alpha to Beta than an asphalt road.

The photo on the left is Yannis, one of our neighbours taking olive fronds to feed his goats, using a traditional mode of travel.   Olive trees need pruning in the Spring and goats are very partial to the offcuts.

The photo on the right is taken from the cobbled path next to our garden, and we use it to walk to the shops and the beach.  It goes down to the village church and then on through the olive groves, turning into a simple path near the sea.  It is hundreds of years old.  There are dozens of these beautiful highways all over Mount Pelion, making it a Mecca for trekkers and walkers.

Walking on ancient cobbled paths is one of the joys of life in Ano Gatzea.