Invitation to participate in the three-day hiking trip in Edessa! After the events in Italy, HIKE moves to Greece in October 2024. The town of Edessa will be the focal point for a series of outdoor events, combining hiking, cultural activities, and workshops organised by us and the municipality of Edessa from October 11th to October 20th. The programme is divided into two weekends dedicated to outdoor sports: 11-13 October 2024 from Edessa to Arnissa 18-20 October 2024 Prophitis Ilias & Edessa< Consult the link to learn more information. See the program brochure. Fill out the participation form and book your place now.
Invitation to participate in the three-day hiking trip in Edessa!
After the events in Italy, HIKE moves to Greece in October 2024. The town of Edessa will be the focal point for a series of outdoor events, combining hiking, cultural activities, and workshops organised by us and the municipality of Edessa from October 11th to October 20th.
The programme is divided into two weekends dedicated to outdoor sports:
11-13 October 2024 from Edessa to Arnissa 18-20 October 2024 Prophitis Ilias & Edessa<
We are looking for influencers to participate in a two-day hike in Edessa! The Paths of Greece is looking for 2 influencers / bloggers to document two walking events that will take place in October 2024 along the Via Egnatia in the unique region of Edessa, in the lush stretch from Florina to Pella. The walks are organized in the framework of the Erasmus+ HIKE project, in collaboration with international partners such as the European Association of Via Francigena and the Turkish Culture Routes Society. The project aims to promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor activities and encourage communities to be more fit, healthy and sporty. During the two weekends we will conduct workshops focused on physical activity and safety along the route as well as various animations and sport related activities. Period: 11-13 October 2024: from Arnissa to Edessa 18 - 20 October 2024: from Edessa to Prophitis Ilias. What we ask of you: Before the event: 1 post and a minimum of 5 Instagram stories announcing your participation in the event, giving visibility to the technical materials of our partners, according to the instructions and tags agreed upon with Paths of Greece. During the event: A minimum of 10 daily Instagram stories. 1 post on one of your social media channels for each day of the walk, according to tags and instructions provided by the Paths of Greece staff. After the event: 1 co-reel for Instagram. If you have a blog: 1 final article on your blog with a link to our site. If you have a YouTube channel: a short final video recounting the experience. If you don't have a blog or a YouTube channel, we might host a guest post written by you on our website Share with us 30 high-resolution photos. What you will receive from
We are looking for influencers to participate in a two-day hike in Edessa!
The Paths of Greece is looking for 2 influencers / bloggers to document two walking events that will take place in October 2024 along the Via Egnatia in the unique region of Edessa, in the lush stretch from Florina to Pella. The walks are organized in the framework of theErasmus+ HIKE project, in collaboration with international partners such asthe European Association of Via Francigena and the TurkishCulture Routes Society. The project aims to promote healthy lifestyles and outdoor activities and encourage communities to be more fit, healthy and sporty.
During the two weekends we will conduct workshops focused on physical activity and safety along the route as well as various animations and sport related activities.
Period:
11-13 October 2024: from Arnissa to Edessa
18 – 20 October 2024: from Edessa to Prophitis Ilias.
What we ask of you:
Before the event:
1 post and a minimum of 5 Instagram stories announcing your participation in the event, giving visibility to the technical materials of our partners, according to the instructions and tags agreed upon with Paths of Greece.
During the event:
A minimum of 10 daily Instagram stories.
1 post on one of your social media channels for each day of the walk, according to tags and instructions provided by the Paths of Greece staff.
After the event:
1 co-reel for Instagram.
If you have a blog: 1 final article on your blog with a link to our site.
If you have a YouTube channel: a short final video recounting the experience.
If you don’t have a blog or a YouTube channel, we might host a guest post written by you on our website
Share with us 30 high-resolution photos.
What you will receive from PoG
A comprehensive fee of 1000 gross all taxes included
Coverage of food and accommodation costs, as well as transportation costs if necessary.
Visibility on Paths of Greece social channels
Reusable Cup & Straw by Boobam & 26 lt Rucksack by Outdooractive and Salewa
How to Apply
Send us your application by Monday, August 5, to the email address hike.project.eu@gmail.com including:
Email subject: Influencer application “HIKE Greece” indicating which weekend you would prefer.
Your portfolio/media kit listing your social media channels, blogs, website, YouTube channel.
If you want to participate in hikes in Italy and Turkey in September and November 2024, follow the news on the project website:https://hike-project.eu/ or contact the team via an email.
Get ready for the HIKE program: Journey on 3 historical Roads Launched in April 2024, the HIKE initiative invites you to join us on a journey across some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Our provisional program is packed with details of upcoming hikes, explore the preliminary agenda below and join us and our partners on treks in Greece, Italy and Türkiye. In October 2024, the historic Via Egnatia in Greece invites you to trace the ancient route engineered by Romans, stretching from Edessa to Arnissa through Agras, Nisi, Ekklisiochori, and Prophitis Ilias. Starting on October 11th at the picturesque waterfalls of Edessa, we will wander through the agricultural plains of Agras, to conclude by Lake Vegoritida in Arnissa. The journey will continue the following weekend with a 17-kilometer circular trek around Prophitis Ilias, culminating in a 10-kilometer hike on October 20th that delves into the historical and industrial part of Edessa. The Via Egnatia, built between 146 and 120 BC and named after the Roman Governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius, is celebrated as a monumental symbol of Roman engineering. It played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of the Eastern Roman Empire, spanning roughly 1,120 kilometers from Durrës to Byzantium, now known as Istanbul. In September 2024, Italy awaits you with six hikes along the Via Francigena in the Apulia region, from Bari to Brindisi. Scheduled for the weekends of September 12-15 and September 27-29, these treks will guide you from Bari’s urban allure through the coastal charm of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni, finishing at Brindisi’s historical landmarks. Timed to coincide with the European Week of Sport, these events merge hiking with festive celebrations and workshops aimed at enhancing your knowledge of safety along the trails and physical preparation for hiking. The Via Francigena, tracing a historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome and reaching down
Get ready for the HIKE program: Journey on 3 historical Roads
Launched in April 2024, the HIKE initiative invites you to join us on a journey across some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Our provisional program is packed with details of upcoming hikes, explore the preliminary agenda below and join us and our partners on treks in Greece, Italy and Türkiye.
In October 2024, the historic Via Egnatia in Greece invites you to trace the ancient route engineered by Romans, stretching from Edessa to Arnissa through Agras, Nisi, Ekklisiochori, and Prophitis Ilias. Starting on October 11th at the picturesque waterfalls of Edessa, we will wander through the agricultural plains of Agras, to conclude by Lake Vegoritida in Arnissa. The journey will continue the following weekend with a 17-kilometer circular trek around Prophitis Ilias, culminating in a 10-kilometer hike on October 20th that delves into the historical and industrial part of Edessa.
The Via Egnatia, built between 146 and 120 BC and named after the Roman Governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius, is celebrated as a monumental symbol of Roman engineering. It played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of the Eastern Roman Empire, spanning roughly 1,120 kilometers from Durrës to Byzantium, now known as Istanbul.
In September 2024, Italy awaits you with six hikes along the Via Francigena in the Apulia region, from Bari to Brindisi. Scheduled for the weekends of September 12-15 and September 27-29, these treks will guide you from Bari’s urban allure through the coastal charm of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni, finishing at Brindisi’s historical landmarks. Timed to coincide with the European Week of Sport, these events merge hiking with festive celebrations and workshops aimed at enhancing your knowledge of safety along the trails and physical preparation for hiking.
The Via Francigena, tracing a historic pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome and reaching down to Santa Maria di Leuca, has been a conduit for cultural, commercial, and religious exchanges across Europe from the medieval period, representing a vital link between the British Isles and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.
Finally, in November 2024, hiking events will take place in Türkiye around scenic and culturally rich landscapes of Izmit along the Tolerance Way. Scheduled for the first and second weekends of the month, these excursions will guide you through historic districts and rural settings, including attractions such as Izmit’s waterfront, Kayalar Nature Parks, and the historical villages of Servetiye and Kırıntı, culminating near the ancient aqueducts of Gölkay Park. These routes are animated with engaging narratives about the area’s rich history.
The Tolerance Way itself stretches approximately 126 kilometers between Izmit (Nicomedia) and Iznik (Nicaea), drawing inspiration from paths used by notable travelers like French explorer Charles de Peyssonnel and Canadian botanist Robert Chamber. Rooted in the Roman era, this path is renowned for its historical significance, marked notably by the Edict of Tolerance issued by Emperor Galerius in AD 311, which laid foundational stones for religious freedom in the region.
Each location offers its own set of experiences, ensuring that every hiker, regardless of skill level, finds something inspiring. Stay tuned for more details as we approach the event dates.
Hikers fall victim to hiking! Is this activity actually dangerous? Recently, we were in Germany, in hiking circles, and everyone was telling us that they had heard or read that hikers in Greece either get lost or die! What is happening? With a quick internet search, hundreds of articles have appeared recently talking about visitors to our country who went hiking and never returned. The big "boom" happened with Mr. Michael Mosley in Symi, who was the third victim this season, and almost every other day since then we hear about new cases of people dying during the "dangerous sport of hiking in a heatwave." We read in articles about the poor condition of the trails, the heat, the inexperience, and the poor preparation of the "hikers." What suddenly happened that we started hearing about so many accidents this year? The following is happening: Greece is a country that in the minds of many visitors has a mild terrain, where no matter where you go, you will reach the sea, you will find a road, etc. Many of those who get lost are not even hikers but simply believed that by walking they would reach their destination. Our country receives more and more visitors each year, making it one of the most touristy countries in the world, especially considering the percentage of tourists relative to the country's population. The more visitors come, the more, proportionally, there will be accidents (including hiking accidents). The prolonged heatwave caused by climate change, which seems to be worsening every year, constitutes one of the most dangerous conditions for hiking (marginally worse than a thunderstorm with lightning…). This is because it is difficult to understand what is happening when you suffer from heatstroke. Mr. Michael Mosley was well-known, and this fueled the news, and after
Hikers fall victim to hiking! Is this activity actually dangerous?
Recently, we were in Germany, in hiking circles, and everyone was telling us that they had heard or read that hikers in Greece either get lost or die! What is happening?
With a quick internet search, hundreds of articles have appeared recently talking about visitors to our country who went hiking and never returned. The big “boom” happened with Mr. Michael Mosley in Symi, who was the third victim this season, and almost every other day since then we hear about new cases of people dying during the “dangerous sport of hiking in a heatwave.” We read in articles about the poor condition of the trails, the heat, the inexperience, and the poor preparation of the “hikers.”
What suddenly happened that we started hearing about so many accidents this year?
The following is happening:
Greece is a country that in the minds of many visitors has a mild terrain, where no matter where you go, you will reach the sea, you will find a road, etc. Many of those who get lost are not even hikers but simply believed that by walking they would reach their destination.
Our country receives more and more visitors each year, making it one of the most touristy countries in the world, especially considering the percentage of tourists relative to the country’s population. The more visitors come, the more, proportionally, there will be accidents (including hiking accidents).
The prolonged heatwave caused by climate change, which seems to be worsening every year, constitutes one of the most dangerous conditions for hiking (marginally worse than a thunderstorm with lightning…). This is because it is difficult to understand what is happening when you suffer from heatstroke.
Mr. Michael Mosley was well-known, and this fueled the news, and after this, in every similar case.
On the other hand, we have destinations in Greece that have tried to highlight themselves as hiking destinations, so that visitors can have an authentic experience when they visit them. The destinations that are properly prepared and provide adequate information for their visitors usually ensure that all the necessary information is provided so that the hiker can make an informed decision about whether the route is suitable for them.
For our part, in the signs, websites, applications, brochures, etc., through which we promote trails, we ensure that the following information is provided for each route:
Length, time, degree of difficulty in terms of physical effort, degree of technical difficulty, degree of risk perception (exposed trail), analysis of the signage, note of the best seasons depending on the route, note of possible dangers at specific times (e.g., 11 am – 5 pm in summer), presence of water along the route, reference to the required equipment, reference to 112, and the note: “Never walk alone – walk at your own risk.”
Based on the above, it turns out that in most cases, the victims either overestimated their strength, did not take adequate measures, did not have another person with them, deviated from their route without informing anyone, or did not know they could use 112 (which, let us note, does not work if no provider has signal).
Despite the responsibilities of hikers or ordinary visitors who decided to walk off-road, accidents happen, and our country must do the following to mitigate them:
a) Provide information about dangerous hiking conditions from Civil Protection during extreme weather conditions, with an emphasis on foreign visitors, possibly imposing a hiking ban.
b) Organize rescue at the state level and strengthen aerial means. Unfortunately, despite the accidents that have occurred and will unfortunately continue to happen, Greece has done almost nothing at the state level for aerial rescue in inaccessible areas, which is inconsistent with the ever-increasing number of visitors for outdoor activities and locals who are increasingly discovering nature through hiking and other sports.
c) The State should require destinations that are highlighted as “hiking destinations” to provide adequate information about their routes by all means, with information such as those we mentioned earlier.
The Greek Islands Trail is a long-distance trail made up of the best trails of each of the Cyclades islands. It’s a years-long dream coming to fruition. A path that will pass through all the Cyclades and that will be the most important long route in the country. As Greece is known abroad with white and blue colors, the trail in question comes to highlight this image, as well as the culture and rich geology of the Cyclades to the international hiking public. Our vision is for Greek islands trail to become one of the top trails in the world. The aim of the «Greek Islands Trails - Cyclades» is to connect the best trails of each island of the Cyclades in a single hiking route from island to island. It is hoped that this route will be the main entrance and introduction to global hiking tourism in our country. The «Greek Islands Trails - Cyclades» program is implemented with the funding of the initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Cycladic Identity, with the support of the South Aegean Region and local bodies. For more information about Cycladic Identity visit www.cycladicidentity.gr
The Greek Islands Trail is a long-distance trail made up of the best trails of each of the Cyclades islands.
It’s a years-long dream coming to fruition. A path that will pass through all the Cyclades and that will be the most important long route in the country.
As Greece is known abroad with white and blue colors, the trail in question comes to highlight this image, as well as the culture and rich geology of the Cyclades to the international hiking public. Our vision is for Greek islands trail to become one of the top trails in the world.
The aim of the «Greek Islands Trails – Cyclades»is to connect the best trails of each island of the Cyclades in a single hiking route from island to island. It is hoped that this route will be the main entrance and introduction to global hiking tourism in our country.
The «Greek Islands Trails – Cyclades» program is implemented with the funding of the initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Cycladic Identity, with the support of the South Aegean Region and local bodies.
Exciting News: the Via Egnatia and Paths of Greece are featured on the HIKE Project Website! We’re excited to announce the launch of the HIKE project’s website today! This initiative from Paths of Greece aims to guide participants along three iconic European trails, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles through customized hiking events suitable for all fitness levels. The new website provides comprehensive details about free excursions and activities planned across the three countries involved. Visitors will find trail maps, event schedules, and registration procedures. The news section includes updates, insightful articles, and educational content on healthy living, while the media section highlights photos and videos from our events. The project involves the following partners: Culture Routes Society A Turkish non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining long-distance routes for walking, biking, and horse-riding. They manage over 20 local and international trekking routes catering to various hiking interests. Paths of Greece Dedicated to the promotion of the cultural heritage of Greece and the protection of the environment through hiking routes. They focus on the design, implementation and promotion of hiking routes based on historical trails, adapted to modern needs. European Association of the Via Francigena ways Francigena (EAVF) Focused on promoting the historic route spanning over 3,000 km across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy. The project’s hiking schedule includes: September on the Via Francigena: Discover the picturesque path in Italy’s sunny Apulia region. Two hiking weekends will be held on coastal segments from Bari to Monopoli and from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi, featuring cultural, sports, and gastronomic activities, as well as unforgettable sunset celebrations. Find more details on the Via Francigena agenda here. October in Greece on the Via Egnatia: Walk along the historic Via Egnatia in Greece, following the traces of this ancient Roman road. Explore sections covering Edessa, Prophitis Ilias, and
Exciting News: the Via Egnatia and Paths of Greece are featured on the HIKE Project Website!
We’re excited to announce the launch of the HIKE project’s website today! This initiative from Paths of Greece aims to guide participants along three iconic European trails, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles through customized hiking events suitable for all fitness levels. The new website provides comprehensive details about free excursions and activities planned across the three countries involved. Visitors will find trail maps, event schedules, and registration procedures. The news section includes updates, insightful articles, and educational content on healthy living, while the media section highlights photos and videos from our events.
A Turkish non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining long-distance routes for walking, biking, and horse-riding. They manage over 20 local and international trekking routes catering to various hiking interests.
Dedicated to the promotion of the cultural heritage of Greece and the protection of the environment through hiking routes. They focus on the design, implementation and promotion of hiking routes based on historical trails, adapted to modern needs.
Focused on promoting the historic route spanning over 3,000 km across England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.
The project’s hiking schedule includes:
September on the Via Francigena: Discover the picturesque path in Italy’s sunny Apulia region. Two hiking weekends will be held on coastal segments from Bari to Monopoli and from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi, featuring cultural, sports, and gastronomic activities, as well as unforgettable sunset celebrations. Find more details on the Via Francigena agenda here.
October in Greece on the Via Egnatia: Walk along the historic Via Egnatia in Greece, following the traces of this ancient Roman road. Explore sections covering Edessa, Prophitis Ilias, and Arnissa, with stunning waterfalls, interactive workshops, and cultural visits to significant industrial heritage sites.
Learn more about our walks on the Via Egnatia here.
November in Türkiye on the Tolerance Way: Experience diverse landscapes that have shaped civilizations, spanning from urban historic districts to rural terrains. Events will feature landmarks like Izmit’s scenic waterside and Kayalar Nature Parks, the charming villages of Servetiye and Kırıntı, and the ancient aqueducts near Gölkay Park. Visit the Tolerance Waysection for more information.
Keep an eye on our website for the latest updates, registration details, and organizational information!
Via Egnatia is the ancient road that connected Via Appia with Byzantium, an earlier settlement in the area of the later Constantinople – today’s Istanbul. It is – as the saying goes – one of all the roads that led to Rome – the most important in the Eastern Roman Empire based on historical descriptions. It was built between 146 and 120 BC and it was named after the Roman Governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius who was the founder of this road. We find this information inscribed on the milestones located along the road, recording the distances of said points from the ends of the road. This road – like any other road – did not suddenly emerge at that time, but thanks to the road-making knowledge of the Roman engineers it acquired some exceptional characteristics for its time, which even today impress the surveyors of the area’s antiquities. The total length of Via Egnatia from Durrës to Byzantium is estimated at 1,120 km or 746 Roman miles. After Via Francigena and before Via Eurasia, the participants of the HIKE program will have the opportunity to hike on parts of Via Egnatia in the wider area of Edessa. Based on the historical descriptions, this part of the ancient road comes in a SE direction from the area of Ohrid through today’s settlement of Florina, continues east towards Edessa and turns SE, to approach the area of Ancient Pella and then continue towards the city of Thessaloniki. During the 2 weekends of this project, traces of the ancient road will be followed between the settlements of Edessa, Agras, Nisi and Arnissa to the west of Edessa and Ekklisiochori and Prophitis Ilias to its east. In addition, this program aspires to inspire local people to follow a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity
Via Egnatia is the ancient road that connected Via Appia with Byzantium, an earlier settlement in the area of the later Constantinople – today’s Istanbul. It is – as the saying goes – one of all the roads that led to Rome – the most important in the Eastern Roman Empire based on historical descriptions. It was built between 146 and 120 BC and it was named after the Roman Governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius who was the founder of this road. We find this information inscribed on the milestones located along the road, recording the distances of said points from the ends of the road.
This road – like any other road – did not suddenly emerge at that time, but thanks to the road-making knowledge of the Roman engineers it acquired some exceptional characteristics for its time, which even today impress the surveyors of the area’s antiquities. The total length of Via Egnatia from Durrës to Byzantium is estimated at 1,120 km or 746 Roman miles.
After Via Francigena and before Via Eurasia, the participants of the HIKE program will have the opportunity to hike on parts of Via Egnatia in the wider area of Edessa. Based on the historical descriptions, this part of the ancient road comes in a SE direction from the area of Ohrid through today’s settlement of Florina, continues east towards Edessa and turns SE, to approach the area of Ancient Pella and then continue towards the city of Thessaloniki.
During the 2 weekends of this project, traces of the ancient road will be followed between the settlements of Edessa, Agras, Nisi and Arnissa to the west of Edessa and Ekklisiochori and Prophitis Ilias to its east.
In addition, this program aspires to inspire local people to follow a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity and social cohesion.
Following in the footsteps of historical travelers, participants will have the opportunity to connect with the past and forge new bonds with their local heritage and fellow citizens. Through a mix of workshops and activities, the initiative will highlight the health benefits of hiking and thus boost hiking tourism.
The Launch of the HIKE Project Embark on a Journey to Well-being: The Launch of the HIKE Project The European project “HIKE: HIKing for a healthier lifestylE along European Cultural Routes” kicked off on 1 April 2024. This Erasmus+ Sport project aims to increase healthy and active lifestyles via engagement of local communities into hiking and related sports activities along historic routes, such as Via Francigena, η Via Egnatia and Via Eurasia – Tolerance way. With a budget of 200,000 euros allocated for a duration of 18 months, the project activities will unfold in three countries – Italy, Greece, and Turkey, and bring together three associations – Turkish Culture Routes Society (project leader), the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (AEVF), and the Social Co-operative Enterprise “Paths of Greece”. A series of free hiking events are scheduled along the trails: Via Francigena in the Puglia region, Italy (September 2024) Via Egnatia near Edessa, Greece (October 2024) Via Eurasia – Tolerance Way, in the vicinity of Izmit, Turkey (November 2024) With an ambition to inspire locals to follow a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity and social cohesion. Accompanied by experienced hikers, participants will be invited to follow in the footsteps of historical voyagers, connect with the past, and forge new links with their local heritage and fellow walkers. Through a blend of workshops and activities, the initiative will highlight the health benefits of hiking and thus strengthen hiking tourism. The project will include the celebration of the European Week of Sport 2024 (23 – 30 September 2024), with events designed to portrait walking and hiking as a universally accessible, all-year-round activity for participants of all backgrounds and abilities, offering a welcoming environment for sports enthusiasts and novices alike. Apart from promoting the creation of walking infrastructure for both locals and visitors,
The Launch of the HIKE Project
Embark on a Journey to Well-being: The Launch of the HIKE Project
The European project “HIKE: HIKing for a healthier lifestylE along European Cultural Routes” kicked off on 1 April 2024.
This Erasmus+ Sport project aims to increase healthy and active lifestyles via engagement of local communities into hiking and related sports activities along historic routes, such as Via Francigena, η Via Egnatia and Via Eurasia – Tolerance way.
With a budget of 200,000 euros allocated for a duration of 18 months, the project activities will unfold in three countries – Italy, Greece, and Turkey, and bring together three associations – Turkish Culture Routes Society (project leader), the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways (AEVF), and the Social Co-operative Enterprise “Paths of Greece”.
A series of free hiking events are scheduled along the trails:
Via Francigena in the Puglia region, Italy (September 2024)
Via Egnatia near Edessa, Greece (October 2024)
Via Eurasia – Tolerance Way, in the vicinity of Izmit, Turkey (November 2024)
With an ambition to inspire locals to follow a healthy lifestyle, through physical activity and social cohesion. Accompanied by experienced hikers, participants will be invited to follow in the footsteps of historical voyagers, connect with the past, and forge new links with their local heritage and fellow walkers. Through a blend of workshops and activities, the initiative will highlight the health benefits of hiking and thus strengthen hiking tourism.
The project will include the celebration of the European Week of Sport 2024 (23 – 30 September 2024), with events designed to portrait walking and hiking as a universally accessible, all-year-round activity for participants of all backgrounds and abilities, offering a welcoming environment for sports enthusiasts and novices alike.
Apart from promoting the creation of walking infrastructure for both locals and visitors, the initiative will empower local municipalities and associations with a methodology for organizing hiking events.
Join us as we embark on this extraordinary journey of discovery and well-being and stay tuned to receive updates on the upcoming hikes that are going to be organized through the HIKE project!
Interviewing the member of Paths of Greece, Antonis Panou, about the maintainance of hiking paths Antonis Panou is a member of Paths of Greece and specializes in waymarking and maintaining hiking paths. He has been part of our team for about 5 years and has traveled all over Greece in order to implement hiking trail networks, always with the highest standards. Antonis took part in the Paths of Greece trip to Central Europe! How do you describe paths maintainance? What exactly do we mean when we say we clear paths? Today people don’t use the hiking trails for their transportation, so nobody is caring for them. Thus, the old paths were abandoned and lost, and after years became one with nature. However, in recent years many people have the need to get in touch with nature. To do this, the best way is to hike a trail. Trail clearing is necessary for this to happen. When we clear paths we mean the following: trees and big bushes with thorns that nothing can get through. Rotten fallen trees and stones. Even in cases where we encounter low dense vegetation, getting through will most likely cause wounds. The cleaning of stones and some small technical works such as building steps are part of the cleaning. There are also the maintenance works which are mainly the cleaning of the seasonal vegetation. It is tedious work and requires patience but the result is of great importance. Once the cleanings are done it’s like you’ve opened up a new world. Which routes do we maintain and why? Initially, the clearing is done with the aim of creating a new hiking trail network. The trail networks consist of old trails, recently surveyed and mapped, that have not been walked for many years. These are usually lost
Interviewing the member of Paths of Greece, Antonis Panou, about the maintainance of hiking paths
Antonis Panou is a member of Paths of Greece and specializes in waymarking and maintaining hiking paths. He has been part of our team for about 5 years and has traveled all over Greece in order to implement hiking trail networks, always with the highest standards. Antonis took part in the Paths of Greece trip to Central Europe!
How do you describe paths maintainance? What exactly do we mean when we say we clear paths?
Today people don’t use the hiking trails for their transportation, so nobody is caring for them. Thus, the old paths were abandoned and lost, and after years became one with nature.
However, in recent years many people have the need to get in touch with nature. To do this, the best way is to hike a trail. Trail clearing is necessary for this to happen.
When we clear paths we mean the following: trees and big bushes with thorns that nothing can get through. Rotten fallen trees and stones. Even in cases where we encounter low dense vegetation, getting through will most likely cause wounds.
The cleaning of stones and some small technical works such as building steps are part of the cleaning. There are also the maintenance works which are mainly the cleaning of the seasonal vegetation.
It is tedious work and requires patience but the result is of great importance. Once the cleanings are done it’s like you’ve opened up a new world.
Which routes do we maintain and why?
Initially, the clearing is done with the aim of creating a new hiking trail network. The trail networks consist of old trails, recently surveyed and mapped, that have not been walked for many years. These are usually lost in the vegetation. So, to make them accessible again, we clean them of grasses, blackberry bushes, fallen trees, bushes, thorns, tree branches and generally dense vegetation and stones. Then, as I mentioned, maintenance cleanings are also done on some paths annually.
When is the best time to do maintainance?
The best time for maintainance is Spring, since that’s when the vegetation blooms and grows. For example, if the clearing is done in February, then it is very likely that in April many places will have become a “jungle” again from the seasonal vegetation.
What is the best method of maintainance?
The best method is the classic method that has always been used, that is, with manual work and a lot of patience. The only difference today is that we have better tools with more options. An example of reliable tools is that of the Fiskars company.
The best recipe is a strong team, good communication, teamwork, timing, good tools and good organization in general is what is needed to make cleaning easy.
What is tiring you the most during maintainance?
As I mentioned earlier, the best time for maintainance is Spring, because of the flowering of plants and the growth of vegetation. Unfortunately, we don’t always have that option. In short, what is most tiring is the heat and the sun. Not all paths pass through shaded forests. There are many places in Greece that are rocky, without tall vegetation. In such places we try to avoid the summer season. If we are there in the summer months, then we start as early as possible, even before dawn.
I will also mention a combination of vegetation, which, if we encounter it, is sure to make our work very difficult. There are sometimes bushes, big, dense, with rich foliage and many branches, which block the path. These branches are often connected to a central trunk. If you find the trunk and cut it, then the whole bush goes away, without much effort and a lot of time. However, there are similar bushes with the difference that the branches are not connected. This makes it very difficult to clean them, especially when there are tangled blackberry bushes inside them.
Finally, I personally get tired of rocky places, which are full of stones, low vegetation, bushes, thorns and no trees anywhere. Such vegetation, in such places, modern tools cannot help. Therefore, cleaning is traditionally done with hoes and pickaxes, i.e. by digging. No shade anywhere and digging all day, I get tired just thinking about it. Of course, we’ve done those too. We cleaned the paths of Kasos with hoes and hand tools during July!
What kind of tools do you use to clear paths?
Agricultural tools. Very basic are the chainsaw and brush cutter. From there, hand tools such as hoes, pruners, pickaxes, saws, scissors, machetes and rakes. Finally a branch shredder.
In regard to mechanical tools there are some companies that have very good products and you can easily buy good tools that get the job done. But there is an issue with hand tools, as there are many companies in the trade that do not have quality tools, that is, they are garden level, for personal use. For the last year we have been using tools from the Finnish company Fiskars, which so far have proven themselves very well, tested in the most difficult conditions, such as in Kasos.
Finally, I want to say that in Greece there are many difficult and wild places. I believe that the big agricultural tool companies should test their products in the Greek nature. If their tools can withstand this test, then they will know they are the best. In general, the enemy of tools is stone, and Greece is full of stone.
If someone wants to maintain a trail in their area, where would you suggest they start?
If someone wants to clear a path, there is no easy solution. He has to go and clear it with his tools and his hands. First you start with the difficult obstacles, such as fallen trees, thick branches, large bushes, thorns and large stones. Then, if necessary, you go through with the lawn mower and rake, and clean.
In other cases, you may have to do all the work with the lawnmower alone. Always depending on the vegetation of each place.
If the path has various elevations, it is best to start from the top to the bottom. Depending on the landscape and vegetation you get the appropriate tools.
Depending on the type of work and the place, there is the possibility that a permit from the local forestry is also needed. Therefore, it would be good to consult with the relevant services before starting work.
11-13 October 2024 from Edessa to Arnissa
