intrepid ramblers and wildlife enthuisiasts in Cyprus face a multitude of problems when trekking across the island`s longest walking path, according to environmentalists.
The European long distance path E4 was extended to Cyprus in 2004 following a proposal by the Greek Ramblers Association, the coordinating body of the European Network of long distance paths.
E4 is essentially a network of footpaths that traverse Europe. While most long-distance footpaths in the Europe are located in just one country or region, the E4 long-distance path passes through many different countries.
The path starts in Gibraltar, passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, mainland Greece, Crete and Cyprus.
Forest and biodiversity campaigner of Friends of the Earth Cyprus, Klitos Stylianou said the path in Cyprus had attracted scores of visitors since it was launched but many had also complained that bad planning prevents the route from being the enjoyable trekking experience it could be.
“We have been told by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) that the route is frequently used by tourists and locals who unfortunately also report on many of the problems they encounter while rambling.”
He added that the aim of the trail, as in other countries, is to inspire locals and visitors to appreciate the rich history and wildlife in the area.
The Cyprus section of the E4 Path which is 539 km long connects Larnaca and Paphos international airports.
Along the route, it traverses the Troodos mountain range, Akamas peninsula and long stretches of Cypriot rural areas, along regions of high ecological, historic, archaeological, cultural and scientific interest.
“The E4 is by far the longest nature trail in Cyprus and is part of network of footpaths which is the largest in Europe,” said Stylianou.
He added that Friends of the Earth Cyprus is preparing a report on the problems its members encountered on the E4 which they will be submitting to the CTO next month.
“We recently sent a three member team to cover the entire path in Cyprus and document all the problems they encountered along the way,” said Stylianou.
He explained that in general terms the route is badly planned and there is no existing infrastructure to support ramblers who wish to trek across the entire path.
“In other European countries where the E4 runs through the route is supported by a network of campsites and cheap and accessible accommodation for ramblers which are necessary for a walking holiday.”
He added that as there are no free camping areas in Cyprus and no designated camp sites along the E4 route, the route is impossible to tackle in one go.
“Other very serious problems include a lack of signs across the path and sections of the route which run through military firing ranges. We consider these two issues to be very serious and hope they will be addressed immediately.”
According to Friends of the Earth Cyprus the local E4 section can take up to a month to walk providing you are a keen walker capable of covering over 20km per day.
“Promoting nature walks has many benefits and not just the obvious such as increased physical firness for the ramblers,” said Stylianou. “Rambling routes that are successful can help the economy by increasing agro-tourism and also help promote environmental consciousness in society.”
The CTO has recently published a new brochure on the Cyprus Path E4 which is available in English and Greek and is distributed free of charge.
The information given in the brochure is a general outline to assist ramblers identify the path route.
Ramblers are strongly advised to research further path sections with particular emphasis in their availability and proximity to overnight licensed accommodation establishments,especially in remote mountain and rural areas.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus are also organising a photographic exhibition which will take place in Limassol at the Panicos Mavrellis Institute from June 22 to 25.
ntrepid ramblers and wildlife enthuisiasts in Cyprus face a multitude of problems when trekking across the island`s longest walking path, according to environmentalists.
The European long distance path E4 was extended to Cyprus in 2004 following a proposal by the Greek Ramblers Association, the coordinating body of the European Network of long distance paths.
E4 is essentially a network of footpaths that traverse Europe. While most long-distance footpaths in the Europe are located in just one country or region, the E4 long-distance path passes through many different countries.
The path starts in Gibraltar, passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, mainland Greece, Crete and Cyprus.
Forest and biodiversity campaigner of Friends of the Earth Cyprus, Klitos Stylianou said the path in Cyprus had attracted scores of visitors since it was launched but many had also complained that bad planning prevents the route from being the enjoyable trekking experience it could be.
“We have been told by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) that the route is frequently used by tourists and locals who unfortunately also report on many of the problems they encounter while rambling.”
He added that the aim of the trail, as in other countries, is to inspire locals and visitors to appreciate the rich history and wildlife in the area.
The Cyprus section of the E4 Path which is 539 km long connects Larnaca and Paphos international airports.
Along the route, it traverses the Troodos mountain range, Akamas peninsula and long stretches of Cypriot rural areas, along regions of high ecological, historic, archaeological, cultural and scientific interest.
“The E4 is by far the longest nature trail in Cyprus and is part of network of footpaths which is the largest in Europe,” said Stylianou.
He added that Friends of the Earth Cyprus is preparing a report on the problems its members encountered on the E4 which they will be submitting to the CTO next month.
“We recently sent a three member team to cover the entire path in Cyprus and document all the problems they encountered along the way,” said Stylianou.
He explained that in general terms the route is badly planned and there is no existing infrastructure to support ramblers who wish to trek across the entire path.
“In other European countries where the E4 runs through the route is supported by a network of campsites and cheap and accessible accommodation for ramblers which are necessary for a walking holiday.”
He added that as there are no free camping areas in Cyprus and no designated camp sites along the E4 route, the route is impossible to tackle in one go.
“Other very serious problems include a lack of signs across the path and sections of the route which run through military firing ranges. We consider these two issues to be very serious and hope they will be addressed immediately.”
According to Friends of the Earth Cyprus the local E4 section can take up to a month to walk providing you are a keen walker capable of covering over 20km per day.
“Promoting nature walks has many benefits and not just the obvious such as increased physical firness for the ramblers,” said Stylianou. “Rambling routes that are successful can help the economy by increasing agro-tourism and also help promote environmental consciousness in society.”
The CTO has recently published a new brochure on the Cyprus Path E4 which is available in English and Greek and is distributed free of charge.
The information given in the brochure is a general outline to assist ramblers identify the path route.
Ramblers are strongly advised to research further path sections with particular emphasis in their availability and proximity to overnight licensed accommodation establishments,especially in remote mountain and rural areas.
Friends of the Earth Cyprus are also organising a photographic exhibition which will take place in Limassol at the Panicos Mavrellis Institute from June 22 to 25.
According to Stylianou the exhibition titled: `E4 Cyprus: Beauty in Every Footstep` aims to highlight the potential which the Cyprus trail has a local attraction as well as many of the problems its ramblers face.
“Admission is free and visitors will be able to buy photographs of the E4 route from which proceeds will go to the Friends of the Earth Cyprus to help fund future environmental campaigns,” said Stylianou.
“The E4 has been described in other countries as the diamond of agro-tourism and we hope that with some work and a few adjustments we can eventually achieve the same here in Cyprus.”
According to Stylianou the exhibition titled: `E4 Cyprus: Beauty in Every Footstep` aims to highlight the potential which the Cyprus trail has a local attraction as well as many of the problems its ramblers face.
“Admission is free and visitors will be able to buy photographs of the E4 route from which proceeds will go to the Friends of the Earth Cyprus to help fund future environmental campaigns,” said Stylianou.
“The E4 has been described in other countries as the diamond of agro-tourism and we hope that with some work and a few adjustments we can eventually achieve the same here in Cyprus.”
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Tags: Austria, Bulgaria, camping areas in cyprus, Crete, Cypriot rural area, Cyprus Section, Cyprus Trekking Route, european network, France, germany, Greece, greek ramblers association, Hungary, Larnaca and Paphos international airports, rich history and wildlife in Cyprus, Switzerland, trekking across the island's, Trekking Route in Cyprus, Troodos mountain range, wildlife enthuisiasts in Cyprus