The meadows of Denelli

The route starts from the church in Theth. It is possible to park two or three cars near the cemetery, 50 metres from the church.

(S/E) With your back to the church entrance, follow the unpaved road on the left that leads to the cemetery.

(1) At the corner of the cemetery, turn right.

(2) At a fork, keep to the right. After about 150 metres, turn left and go downhill (marked trail). Cross a stream and turn right. Shortly afterwards, turn left onto the marked trail and go uphill. You will reach a beautiful viewpoint over the Shala Valley.

(3) Continue eastwards and, after about 100 metres, you will reach a fork.

(4) Turn right (southeast). Walk along a balcony path. Cross a beautiful beech forest. The forest thins out further on: continue along the hillside (you may need to use your hands at times). Return to the forest before it thins out to reveal the beautiful meadows of Denelli, a vast alpine pasture which, in summer, is home to herds of cattle (crosses, remains of sheepfolds).

(5) Retrace your steps.

(4) There are two options here:
- For a direct return to Theth, keep left and follow the outward route in reverse.
- Alternatively, as shown on the map, turn right at a sharp angle (marked trail). Cross a forest and then meadows covered with flowering willowherb (in season).

(6) At a crossroads, turn right and follow the path that runs alongside a wall (markings). Leave the shepherd's huts behind you and head towards the forest. Descend, cross a stream and climb up the other side. Descend again to a torrent.

(7) Cross the torrent and climb back up. Walk westwards through the forest.

(8) At an intersection (large rock), turn left towards Theth (the path on the right leads to Valbona). Descend and cross a stream. Continue descending, leave the forest and pass close to the ruins of Nenrreth. You will then come to an area of rocks and scree where the path disappears. Continue south-west to the wide path taken at the start of the hike.

(2) Follow the path to the right towards Theth and, taking the opposite route to the one you took on the way there, return to Theth Church (S/E).

A water source is mentioned near the ruins of Nenrreth, but we did not find it; otherwise, there are no springs.

The trail is generally well marked in red and white, except for the end of the Nenrreth variant.

The difficulty lies mainly in the length of the route; the steep sections are not exposed.

The church in Theth is one of the most famous in Albania. Built in 1892, it was restored in 2006. The kulla in Theth can also be visited. It is a tower where blood criminals took refuge while their family sought (or failed to seek) an agreement with the other family