This trail has two possible and attractive routes in the initial stages both dropping 2000 feet and ending in the Solea valley, at the 12th Century UNESCO world heritage church of Agios Nikolaos.

Route one starts at the old Chromium mine settlement below the peak of Mount Olympus and winds gently down through forest shade, then drops steeply through the deep river gorges of the north face, the black rock glinting with crystals of iron pyrites,( fools gold). On the way we pass through two abandoned mining camps, and follow the disused overhead bucket way that carried the chromite ore until we reach a confluence of streams that joins the Karyotis River. After passing the abandoned ore processing plant we reach the main road and the church of Agios Nikolaos. Time 3 hours.

Route two starts about 1/2 mile west of Troodos Square and follows the scenic forested Karyotis river valley on a more direct path to join "route one" two-thirds of the way down the mountain. Time 3 hours.

Both these routes can be extended by a further 1 hour to arrive at the historic Solea valley settlements of Kakopetria and Galata, with their ancient houses and byzantine churches. An hour or two strolling around taking in the sights, is very pleasant, and we are happy to include this in your days walking if you so wish.

(Mountains Bus Walk, but excluding the visit to Kakopetria because of the need to meet the return bus, and this does require ferrying to the start of the walk, and from the end back to Troodos Square by car.)