Hiking Accidents in Greece

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.

Interviewing the member of Paths of Greece, Antonis Panou, about the maintainance of hiking paths

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.

Below, a short video with the process of creating the hiking network of Kasos:

 

Getting to know the Central European Trail Waymarking

Getting to know the Central European Trail Waymarking

Reading the entire article takes about 8 minutes.

Alternatively, you can continue directly to the conclusions by clicking here.

 

“They know better abroad!”

“I’ve walked the Alps and I know!”

“What are the European standards?”

“Let’s get the Austrians to show us how it’s done!”

These and many other expressions reach our ears at times. So we decided to go and see for ourselves what these foreigners are up to!

On the occasion of the organization of a related educational trip by the World Trails Network and the “Sustainability Task Team”, led by our friend András Joszef Molnar from Hungary, we found ourselves discovering something new every day about trails and waymarking in central Europe. And we were left speechless!

Our journey started in Slovenia, continued to Italy, then Austria and Hungary and ended in Slovakia. Its total duration was 6 days. From Paths of Greece we were Antonis (Signage Expert), Konstantinos (Trail Planner) and Fivos (Manager). Accompanying us were the TMI Trail team from Taiwan, who have done perhaps the best job in the world of documenting and analyzing trail and hiking related topics. And of course, the whole journey was designed and edited by András Joszef Molnár who has worked on the design of Hungary’s national signage system.

Day 1 – Slovenia

We arrived by plane in Vienna and by van to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. There, we met up with the rest of the team (Taiwan and András) and met the Slovenian national mountaineering federation, where they explained the country’s trail marking, organization and management system in detail.

Afterwards, we were guided around the city and its castle, where we also had the opportunity to see trail waymarking within the city.

In the afternoon we saw a wonderful sunset on Lake Bled and several hours later we ended up exhausted at our hotel in Kranjska Gora.

Day 2 – Slovenia

We woke up at dawn, before the first rays even lit up our hotel. Our departure with the vans was immediate after our breakfast. The goal was Slovenia’s only national park, the famous Triglav in the Julian Alps. There, we had the opportunity to reach the alpine zone and see up close the waymarking of the national network of trails managed by the Federation and the local clubs.

After a short hike, we continued with the vans to a lower elevation of the park, and walked a fairly exposed path that leads to a source of the Soca River.

There, Constantine dared to put his feet in the water!

We were then guided by the park trail manager along the riverside route to the information center where we had the opportunity to enjoy a great video about the national park.

In the evening we returned to our hotel, where Morpheus came down from the Alps and met us as we entered the room.

Day 3 – Italy / Austria

A very early morning wake up and a hurried breakfast on the schedule. And then, a short passage to Italy. It’s like we went for a coffee! We went to see the Laghi di Fusine lakes. Of course, we were left speechless by the beauty of the landscape. We walked the circular path around the lower of the two lakes, enjoying the incredible reflections of the Alps in the crystal clear waters. At this point, the Alpe – Adria Trail passes, one of the most famous long trails in the region, which connects the Alps with the sea. An Italian espresso and we left for Austria.

The trip to Austria took a while. Our first stop was the small town of Judenburg, where we were able to see waymarking systems for cycling routes within settlements.

Afterwards, we made a fairly long stop for food to recover. A short way and an uphill but beautiful drive up the Schneealpe mountain awaited us where we ended up at the relatively luxurious Michlbauerhütte. A cold shower was a must after the hike! Followed by the best meal of our trip!

Day 4 – Austria

Rise at 5, hike to Windberg Peak at 5:30. In the fog. Purely masochistic. We saw nothing beyond the cross at the top, barely above 1900 meters. This was followed by breakfast at the shelter and a downhill walk to the vehicles. We had the opportunity to discuss with the Taiwan team various trail erosion issues and how they are dealing with them there. With the rain falling in their country, they will know something… as it turned out!

Then we visited a private forest, where a farming family has built a whole park with trails for disabled people and small children. At every turn of the trail, they had various toys with natural materials which excited us! The most impressive of all, of course, was a pair of grandparents, who brought their grandchildren for a hike in the forest!

Short stop for food nearby and after a bit of driving, we arrived at the starting point of our next hike. The starting and ending point is Semmering train station. And the hike began by train to the next stop, Breitenstein. From there, we walked a path parallel to the train tracks, to return to Semmering.

This path is part of a long route, along the oldest train line of the Alps which is also a UNESCO monument. Of course, the show was stolen by the arched bridges, built about 150 years ago… Here we should note that despite the signage, without the application of Outdooractive we would definitely get lost…

Our four-hour hike ended at a restaurant in Semmering just before heavy rain hit. At the dinner we also met the tourism representative of the Semmering area. From there, after about two hours’ journey, we arrived in Hungary, in the city of Fertod, old capital of the Esterhazy fiefdom, where we slept dry.

Day 5 – Hungary

Relaxed awakening today at 8:00! Breakfast at the hotel and then we had a work meeting, where we discussed what we saw in the previous days, what impressed us and what troubled us. The conclusions are described below. In the afternoon we had a nice bike ride in Fertő-Hanság International Park.

With the bikes we also passed through Austria, where the “Iron Curtain” used to be. Now, with one wheel Hungary and with the other Austria, without borders, controls, customs, etc.

Day 6 – Hungary

After breakfast, we went to the nearby town of Sopron, where we walked peri-urban routes, saw the markings they use on Hungarian trails and admired the city from above. We also walked along a path for disabled in the Sopron grove.

Then, we toured the streets of the city, also seeing the ruins of the Roman fortification that was there. In the afternoon, from our hotel in Fertod we participated online in the international meeting of the World Trails Network and the Trailology program. There we also presented the marking system that we have invented and that we use in most of our projects.

Day 7 – Slovakia and departure

After our breakfast, we packed up and drove to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which is literally on the border with Austria.

After a short but impressive tour of the city along the Danube, we arrived at the Vienna airport from where we departed for Athens.

Conclusions

This trip was particularly enlightening in the matters of waymarking and route formation in general. We saw systems they use in 4 countries, in different landscapes (mountain, plain, rivers, lakes, etc.). We saw markings for walking and cycling routes. We also saw routes for the disabled and for children. Finally, we even saw cross-border routes where you hardly realize that you are changing countries!

There were many people walking on the trails. Of all ages. In all the countries we passed through. Of course, most of the routes had car parks, and we often saw e-bike charging stations. Even in mountain shelters.

The use of natural materials was also very evident throughout the trails. However, we did not see a particular effort to manage erosion, which in some parts of the route was particularly important.

We also met and discussed with decision makers in these countries about route management, signage and visibility.

Overall, we were not entirely satisfied with the signage we saw on our trip. Initially, it had many “gaps”. That is, points where either there was no marking or the existing marking was not clear. In other places, we believe that the signage caused more visual nuisance than it should have. Also, almost all the signs were monolingual, meaning they had no English, even if they had descriptions. Finally, in a few cases we found clear entry signs along the route, with a map, technical characteristics, etc.

We also saw few circular routes but at the same time a great demand from the public for circular routes and in the discussions we had it was evident the recognition that most people are looking for short day hikes rather than long routes.

Judging by our own signage system, we consider it to a great extent to satisfy the requirements of a perfect signage, with lower cost, greater durability and less visual nuisance. To improve it, based on what we saw – and mainly the Hungarian marking system – we decided that when marking with color, where routes intersect, we will also mark the number (code) of the route, so that even if the stake with the directions, so the hiker can follow the right path.

The planning of the routes we do, with an emphasis on daily routes, we believe opens up the world of hiking (and cycling) to the widest possible range of population. Long multi-day crossings are also good, but can come as the culmination of a network of local routes. Here we should add to the advantages of local networks that they strengthen the economy better as they pass through more settlements and at the same time give access to many more points of interest, giving at the same time a reason for their maintenance and promotion.

On the occasion of our trip, we decided to soon organize a similar trip to Greece, studying the various systems that have been used, and of course analyzing the current legislation on trail markings.

 

Trail Waymarking by Paths of Greece

Trail Waymarking by Paths of Greece

 

As mentioned in the previous posts, the trail waymarking we use in our hiking networks can be divided into the following categories.

Direction waymarking by color

Direction waymarking with color, is done by applying color to suitable surfaces within the route and follows a specific typology. Its purpose is to clearly guide the hiker, and to create a feeling of security during his hike.

Trail directional signs

Trail directional signs are placed at major intersections and contain destination, time, and distance information.

Trail entry signs

Trail signage with entry signs is very important for all trails. It clearly defines the starting points of the route. These signs contain the title of the route, its map, its features, and other useful information.

Central trail signs

Trail signage with central signs consists of large-sized maps, depicting the entire area and hiking routes. They list all the useful information of the routes and their descriptions, so that everyone can choose the route that suits them best. They are placed in the most central parts of the area.

 

Paths of Greece on National Geographic!

Paths of Greece on National Geographic!

 

Our work with the trails of Sifnos has attracted National Geographic reporter Chloe Berge, who visited the island and wrote a beautiful article about the trails of the island. We are all excited to see that one of our oldest projects is being recognised and admired after about a decade! This means that we have most probably succeeded in creating projects that are sustainable in the long term!

Marking of footpaths with central signs

Marking of footpaths with central signs

 

Central trail signs are large in size and act as a summary, presentation and promotion of an area’s hiking and cycling network.

They are placed in central, high-traffic areas and are intended to make the hiking experience more accessible for visitors.

Contents of central signs

The main theme of the central trail signs is an overall map of the area, presenting in an easy and comprehensible way the topography, settlements, roads and, of course, the designated hiking and cycling routes. The maps we use have been created by the specialized cartographic company Staridas Geography.

Central signs provide basic information for each route, including:

  • completion time,
  • length,
  • altitude differences,
  • degree of difficulty and,
  • title.

In addition, the central sign can show directions for the routes that pass through that specific point.

The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed at the bottom of the sign. Also, important contact numbers, the address of the hiking network’s website and a QR code are provided for easy download of route files to users’ mobile phones.

Hikers can use the central signs to plan their holidays and explore the area on foot, while non-hikers can learn about new trails nearby.

 

Product quality

With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, 1 mm thick aluminum sheet can be used, which is screwed to a wooden backing made of marine plywood. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic.

We avoid canopies and heavy constructions because they do not offer any additional protection and have a large volume that causes visual nuisance.

At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We think his maps are perfect both aesthetically and functionally.

Τοποθέτηση κεντρικών πινακίδωνPlacement of central signs

Central trail signs are usually placed on recycled plastic stakes or directly on a surface such as a wall.

Often, plywood is used, on which the aluminum sign is placed, and this in turn is screwed to the stakes. This is applied in many cases where there is a need for greater stability.

If you are interested in the development and marking of paths in your area, you can contact us to discuss the best solutions. We will be happy to help you with the planning and implementation of the paths and the corresponding signage. Let’s promote together the exploration of nature and the enjoyment of the hiking network in your area.

See more examples of our projects

Marking paths with entry signs

Marking paths with entry signs

 

Marking with entry signs is required for all trails. These signs are used at the entry of each route, in locations such as town squares. They can improve the experience of hikers as well as attract new inexperienced people.

Contents of entry signs

Trail entry signs must provide all useful trail information, including:

  • length,,
  • time,
  • degree of technical difficulty,
  • effort intensity,
  • sense of risk,
  • max/min altitude,
  • total ascent/descent and more.

This allows hikers to fully understand whether the route meets their needs.

In addition, trail entry signs act as promotional material for the hiking network. Through these signs, it is likely to attract even people who had no intention of hiking. They provide information and encourage visitors to discover the beauty of the trails.

Arrangement of entrance signs

Entry signs are mounted on trail directional sign posts and are divided into 4 parts.

  • At the top is the code and name of the route.
  • The central section shows the map of the route, which is the result of specializedcartographic/graphic editing.
  • At the bottom are the basic characteristics of the routes, such as distance and degree of difficulty. In addition, there are QR codes that allow users to download route files to their mobile phones.
  • The partners, contributors and supporters of the program are listed in the lower part.

Product quality

With durability and aesthetics in mind, we use signs made from durable stratimage material, which guarantees unaltered quality for a decade. Alternatively, solid aluminum, at least 3mm thick, can be used. The signs are usually supported on stakes made of recycled plastic.

At Paths of Greece we work exclusively with Staridas Geography and the internationally recognized cartographer Spyros Staridas. We believe that his maps are perfect from both an aesthetic and functional standpoint.

Placement of entry signs

Trail entry signs are mounted on stakes or trail directional signs. They are fixed on the stakes by screwing them on with nuts, at the back side of the stake. This process is carried out in such a way that the visibility of the direction sign is not affected.

If you are interested in the development and marking of paths in your area, you can contact us to discuss the best solutions. We will be happy to help you with the planning and implementation of the paths and the corresponding signage. Let’s promote together the exploration of nature and the enjoyment of the hiking network in your area.

See more examples of our projects

Trail directional signs

Trail directional signs

 

The signage we use at Paths of Greece can be divided into three main parts:

  • marking with colour, which indicates the direction of the route. We have mentioned it in previous blogs.
  • marking with directional stakes and
  • information signs.

In this article we will refer to trail directional signs.

Contents of directional signs

The marking with direction signs is done at the starting points of the route and at the main intersections. It aims to determine the position of the hiker.

It includes information such as:

  • the point or settlement to which each leg of the route is directed to (intermediate and final destination),
  • the distance in kilometers,
  • the estimated time required for hikers to reach the destination and finally,
  • the route code.

Also, the direction signs can contain the toponym of the specific point, indications of dangers, altitude, etc.

Such information is necessary to enable hikers to do their own planning. This of course depends on the strength and appetite of each person. Additionally, this information provides a greater sense of security.

Advantages of directional signs

At Paths of Greece, with international experience and know-how, we have marked many kilometers of trails. Thus, we have seen and tested many marking systems.
We have concluded that the best way to mark Greece’s hiking trails is a marking system with four-sided stakes. Signs with indications of destinations, distances, times and directions are screwed to their sides.

We choose this method as opposed to traditional signs that have only one side of a large size, because we believe that with four sides we gain a multitude of advantages:

  •   Because of the four sides it can hold more information than on one side.
  •   The four sides allow a better indication of the direction of the route. The combination of the side and the arrow can indicate the exact course.
  •   The information is shared on many sides and thus we avoid visual oversaturation. Each side has specific information, making it easy to read.
  •   Less intrusive than the bulky signs commonly used.
  •   Greater resistance to corrosion due to small size. Large protruding signs are more affected by natural phenomena.
  •   They are a combination of functionality, simplicity and aesthetics.
  •   Its small size results in lower costs and greater ease of installation and correction.

Trail directional sign material

Another important aspect of marking stakes is the material used. Now, instead of wood, we use 100% recycled (and recyclable) plastic. These materials are compressed and take a form largely similar to that of wood.

The positives of recycled plastic are many and important. For example, the longevity of the material is longer, as it does not corrode like wood. At the same time, its elasticity allows it to deform and return to its original form under great pressure. Equally important is the greater resistance to fire effects than wood.

Of course, among the positives is the great environmental impact, as well as the awareness of the population regarding new alternative technologies that deal with the modern problem of uncontrolled pollution and reckless consumerism.

Installation of direction signs

The sign posts are installed with the longevity of the sign in mind and the prevention of vandalism. At the same time, an effort is made for as little intervention as possible in the natural environment.

The installation process begins with digging a pit, approximately 0.5m – 1m deep, depending on the height of the stake itself.

Then, an iron rod is wedged vertically at the base of the pile, in order to stabilize it.

The stake is placed in the hole and the space around it is gradually filled with cement and stones.

The cement stops about 5 cm below the soil surface and the filling continues with soil.

Depending on the individual circumstances, a stake may not be driven into the ground, but placed on a surface, such as a wall or a terrace, by using studs.

Of course, no method is absolute and optimal. We believe that improvement comes through dialogue and exchange of views.

So comments and suggestions are welcome!

Interested in trail development and signage in your area?

Contact us to discuss the best solutions.

Examples of hiking networks

Want to see an example of path direction signs made by Paths of Greece?
See the paths of Poros and Kythera up close!

 

See photos of our previous projects

Educational program: “Exploring the hill of Lycabettus”

Educational program: “Exploring the hill of Lycabettus”

 

On March 30, the first step was taken in a plan that had started before the appearance of Covid-19 in our lives.

That is the educational program: “Exploring the hill of Lycabettus” that we developed, in collaboration with teachers, through which we aim to bring children into contact with the natural environment, using experiential and interactive activities.

The general objective of this educational scenario is to offer students opportunities to acquire knowledge and develop skills, values and mindsets that will allow them to observe, describe and interpret the natural environment, as well as its relationship with the anthropogenic, through the hike.

In addition, one of the main objectives is to cultivate the perception that hiking is not just a physical exercise, but also an opportunity for meaningful contact with their surrounding nature and culture. With this activity, the children get to know and walk along some of the already existing walking routes of their city and explore their special characteristics.

Also, the children will learn what a trail is, where we find trails and what the degree of difficulty of a trail depends on. What is a hiker’s gear and why is it necessary. What is the language used by hikers, through the signs they use, and how this language transcends the borders of countries, since from a common code of signs, people who speak different languages can understand the route of a trail.

So, on the morning of Thursday, March 30, the children of the 1st Primary School of Neo Psychiko walked a circular route on the hill, which they mapped, took photos and noted its points of interest.

They learned to distinguish the marking of the paths and the reasons why its presence is necessary.

At the same time they explored nature, noticed its contrast with the city, wondered about human intervention and heard about the history of the area.

They understood that hiking is not only walking, but contact and love with the nature that surrounds us!

Of course, along with the children,  their teachers also enjoyed the trip! After all, hiking is a “sport”, truly for everyone.

We hope that these kinds of experiences will follow the children as they grow up, and will be the trigger for their own journey on the paths of the world.

 

Trail waymarking materials

Trail waymarking materials

 

After having examined the technical characteristics of waymarks, let’s see what are the waymarking materials that we suggest.

In the beginning, at Paths of Greece we used aluminum signs, colored with the silk print method.  Their dimensions were 6,5 x 13 x 0,2cm. We used inox screws to screw them on rocks and trees. We soon realised that this was not the optimal technique for the following reasons:

  • The aluminum signs have a specific size and this does not allow their adaptation on every surface.
  • Screwing on rocks is a permanent alteration of the natural landscape
  • Silk prints are not very durable in outdoor conditions, especially when colours are light.

For the above reasons, and after doing a thorough research for good practice abroad, we came to the conclusion that waymarking with the use of colour (paint) is the best.

Waymarking with paint:

  • Adapts to every surface
  • Can take any dimension
  • It is not a permanent alteration as it can be removed or faint with weather
  • It is easy to use and install as often as needed (especially when dense waymarking is needed)

The material we use is A quality shiny car paint. It is a 3-component colour (with thickener and dissolver), thick and dense, that only requires two layers when applied. This paint is very visible, whether it is used on rock, wood, metal or any other surface.

We apply it with small brushes, and take it from small 30ml jars, where the paint is mixed with the thickener and dissolver. We use such small jars because otherwise the colour will dry and be useless. Car paint can be applied only on dry surfaces. However, if it rains right after the application, nothing happens to it. It cannot though be applied on wet surfaces.

In some cases we still use aluminum signs, especially if we want to emphasize on waymarking. These have the following specs:

  • Dimensions 6,5 x 13 x 0,2cm
  • Aluminum with UV protected vinyl
  • They are being placed on rocks and trees with the use of high elasticity and strength silicon glue

The above come from the experience of Paths of Greece in sign-posting and waymarking thousands of kilometers of hiking trails, and many international travels that we have had around the world, looking for the best practices. We would also like to mention that waymarking with paint is used in most European countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal etc.

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