NEW WALKING GROUP-CYPRUS
New Walking Group puts Best Foot Forward
One men’s love of walking has led him to start a new venture-The Eastern Walking Group.
When Dennis Reid recently enquired on a local Interest form if there were any walking groups in the Eastern end of the island, it was suggested that he start one. So he has done!
The Eastern Cyprus Walking group has since had a few meeting, which have been successful : “It was great when I saw this crowd of people , most of them unknown to each other but chatting away.” Since then, with each meeting, the club has grown in size.
A keen walker, Dennis regularly goes out for long walks and rambles, but readily admits he’s not a professional ! And having no real experience of establishing a walking group,he’s looking for help and support from like minded people: “What I think the group needs is a number of people who are enthusiastic about its progress to help plan a strategy, formulate objectives, etc, etc,.”
So what does he hope to achieve? Dennis replies: I honestly have no real objective. We will have to see what happens. All I want to do is get involved in some sort of walking group, not to be running one , but if I have the right support from like minded people I will take the reins, and see what happens. Should there be a professional outdoor activity person out there who would like to get involved, I’d be happy for him or her to come along.”
Dennis has been in the Protaras area for five years. He hails from Belfast , where he was also a keen walker: “The well known and beautiful Mourne Mountains are not too far from where I live and I would often go for a walk up to Slevie Donard.”
Dennis is also a regular visitor and walker in the Bulgarian Village of Arbanassi.
The Eastern Cyprus Group has an easy going atmosphere with no age restrictions and where everyone is welcome, whether they live locally or are holidaying here. In fact Dennis has received several emails from people with holiday homes over here who would like to join them . on the club’s second walk, an encouraging 27 people turned up; four of them were holidaymakers who had heard about what was happening .
Dennis assesses the walks for both gradient and terrain. “Because we are not yet properly established, there are a number of factors I have to consider. I don’t want to put people off by the walk being too long, or the same time, some people may want to have more of a challenge, and are keen for an all-day walk. If we really get on our feet as a group, perhaps we could have different days for different categories of walks.”
The walks, which currently take place on Tuesdays, start with a briefing and also include a for a snack or a drink, giving the opportunity for members to chat together. stop
Looking to the future Dennis said: “ People have suggested that once we do get on our feet, perhaps we can go on trips to the Troodos Mountains, Paphos and various other places. It is still early days and we will be staying in the Protaras and Ayia Napa areas until after the summer. As we grow in confidence, we will be going further to other parts of the island. Cyprus is truly a beautiful island, with a fantastic climate. We should make the best of it, make new friends, and enjoy life to the full. For me, I need to be doing something, “ I want to have a reason to get up in the morning, whether it be for a walk, scuba diving or meeting up with friends.”
If you would like to join this friendly group please call Dennis Reid on 99753909.
