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:

 

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.

 

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

Implementation and inauguration of Poros trails

Implementation and inauguration of Poros trails

 

The new website of Poros trails!

From the end of last year, the implementation of the Poros hiking trail began. A project conceived back in 2016 has successfully reached completion.

Cleaning, walkability improvements, signposting, maps and website creation were implemented by Paths of Greece, its partners and the Municipality of Poros.

The inauguration of the hiking network took place on Monday, May 15, and was followed by a hike that included part of route 2.

Of course, nothing ends, as our collaboration with the municipality of Poros will remain close, for reasons of maintenance, expansion and continuous promotion.

Find more information on www.porostrails.gr

2022 Recap

2022 Recap

 

In 2022 the Social Cooperative Enterprise Paths of Greece remained very active.

Coming out of the Covid-19 era, our top priority was to expand and add to our team.
Thus, now Paths of Greece fully employs 7 employees, while at the same time the collaboration with a large number of external partners continues.

The most important of the surveys carried out were those in North Corfu, Dionysos, Xiromero of Aitoloakarnania, Nympheo of Florina, Edessa, Epidaurus and Arta.

The summer for Paths of Greece was very intense, as we undertook the implementation of the hiking networks of the islands of Kasos and Skiathos. Studies conducted in 2018 and 2020, respectively.

These are two projects that were completed with great success and made us proud, as we were able to translate the original field research information into two complete networks, with top specifications and a wealth of accompanying and supporting information.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the perfect cooperation and valuable help from the respective municipalities of the regions, our external partners and from the local work crews, with which we were able to complete the two projects.

Within the year, the implementation of an even earlier study that we had conducted, that of the Municipality of Apokoronas in Crete, was completed. The network of hiking routes has been implemented by the Municipality of Apokoronas, and lately it has been in early stage, as some corrections are still being made.

The most important event of the year was definitely the World Hiking Conference, which took place in September, on the island of Skiathos.

The 8th World Hiking Conference, that was organized by the World Trails Network (WTN) was a resounding success! The heart of world hiking beat in Skiathos!

The Municipality of Skiathos had to offer and showcase its newly established hiking network, which consists of 14 routes, implemented by the Municipality of Skiathos, in collaboration with Paths of Greece.

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.

Trail Waymarking

Trail Waymarking

 

What is considered to be a good waymarking?

The answer is one: “Waymarks that a hiker can easily understand and seamlessly follow”.
In this article series we will attempt to present the thematic of trail signage with examples and pictures.
In this article we will speak about waymarking with paint or small signs, that only indicates direction.
Waymarks are placed in such a way that they cannot be seen from hikers walking in opposite directions.
Waymarking aims at guiding hikers in a precise way, making them feel safe during the walk. Independently of the type of material that will be used, the way to put signs must follow some basic rules:
 
  1. Frequency
    It needs to be installed as often as needed (for example, in places where the trail is not visible, you should be able to see at least one sign from another. On the other hand, when the trail is very visible and there are no junctions, the distance between signs can be up to 250 meters.
  2. Visibility
    It needs to be installed in such a way so that the sign of one direction is not visible from those walking in the opposite direction (wherever this is possible)
  3. Height
    The signs should be installed at eye height (where possible), and in line with the hiker’s movement.
  4. Contrast
    Signs need to be composed of at least two colours, one lighter and one darker, so that contrast is created independently of the surface of application.
  5. Shape
    The arrow (if any) needs to be clearly pointing toward the trail.
  6. Respect
    Painting or sign installation must be performed with extra attention and care about the environment and culture.

One sign is visible from another.

Using one set of colours on a network of trails is also considered to be best practice as it helps hikers recognise the trail network.

Painting must be done with much care

Paths of Greece has an extensive experience in waymarking, and it uses a specific system for waymarking, presented here below:

The two lines are coloured in parallel to the trail line, so that they give a directional information. White always gets on the side of the trail.
Arrows indicate a change of direction and should be visible only from the direction that they concern.

The curve is coloured only on the ground, it follows the curvature of the trail and indicates a change in direction. It is visible from both directions on the trail. It is used only f there is no possibility to use an arrow.

The “Χ” indicates a wrong direction and it is a particularly important sign for absent-minded hikers!

Stay tuned to read about our next article on material used for waymarking!

New trailhead signs for Kythera Trails

New trailhead signs for Kythera Trails

 

New trailhead signs have been installed on the Kythera Trails Network!

24 trailhead signs have been installed in 16 traditional villages, welcoming hikers on the 11 trails of the network.

The signs boast the logo of the identity of each trail, with plenty of information being at the same time minimal and small in size. The aim is to give as much information in the less obstructive way.

The trailhead signs are divided into four main parts. In the upper part lie the title and the code of the trail, with the “Green Flag Trails” logo for the trails that have been certified. The central part is dominated by a detailed hiking map. In the two lower parts one can find detailed technical information bout the trail, according to the requirements of the Green Flag Trail certification, website and Social media links, as well as the logos of the organisations that fund and run the project.

The installation of the signs has been funded by the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA) and the Municipality of Kythera, in cooperation with the Kytherian Foundation for Culture and Development (KIPA). The creation supervision and implementation of the signs has been performed by Paths of Greece. Maps have been designed by Staridas Geography and graphic design is by Instinct Design.

Samos – Path of the Muscat Vineyards

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Samos was given a great hiking route, called Muscat Vineyards Path, dedicated to the production of muscat wine. In the broader area of Vourliotes village, at the slopes of Karvounis Mt. we have unveiled and waymarked a 10km long trail. The trail presents all the important sites of the area, having as a main thematic the production of Muscat wine. For further information click here.

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