Our walk of Saturday 6 April 2019 takes us to Trimiklini village, in the Limassol district. Trimiklini lies about 27 km northwest of Limassol and about 7 km south of Platres, on the main road that connects Limassol and Troodos. Britt and Dimitris are leading this outing, which will start at 11:15 am and will go ahead even in light rain; if you need to, call 97641310.

The trail, which has taken its name from Zalakas mountain in the north of Trimiklini village is circular, at an altitude of 550-730 meters. It will take about 3 hours and is classified as level 2.5 for difficulty.

We start our walk from the old elementary school and ascend gently through the traditional, historical village core before we reach the nature trail. On our way we will see the old water deposit built before the 1900s and the old water springs. We walk for about 15 minutes until we reach a resting place. Then comes a challenging section, which a fit Stroller can manage, for about 30 minutes. We walk uphill on a narrow, loose rock path which winds its way up to the top of the mountain. There will be several small stops to catch our breath and enjoy the view.  Appropriate footwear is necessary, plus sticks.

After a comfort stop at the top of the climb we continue on a well-defined, gentle, dirt road for about 50 minutes, through diverse flora. The location is unique, and we will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding communities; Lania, Doros, Sylikou, Kouka, Pera Pedi and Moniatis.   There is not much shade, and you are advised to carry plenty of water.

We then walk slightly downhill with some mild uphill sections for about 30 minutes, until we enter a narrow, stony path that leads to the main road of the village which we cross, right opposite John’s Restaurant.

The last part of our walk lasts for about 20 minutes and we follow a paved road through traditional orchards, until we get to the main road. Finally, we walk along the pavement for 200 meters to our cars.

 The walk will be followed by a taverna lunch. To facilitate lunch arrangements, for your better service, you are required to pre-register, if you are joining us for lunch. To do so, please sms the walk leaders or e-mail Xenophon by end Thursday. No need to register if you are not dining.

You have the choice of meeting the group at the walk start, or meet at the designated meeting point in Nicosia. In either case, you need to carry copy of this set of instructions. Meeting in Nicosia offers two important advantages: we drive in full cars, leaving some cars behind; thus, we save in fuel and enjoy the trip in good company. The meeting point in Nicosia is the Handicrafts Centre (Kentro Heirotechnias) on Leoforos Athalassas (Athalassa Avenue), which offers ample parking space. The car trip starts at 9:45 am. Please ensure you observe start times, for the benefit of the group.

How to get to the walk start, coming from Nicosia:

Get to the main junction between Leoforos Lemesou/ Limassol Avenue and Leoforos Athalassas. Drive along the Nicosia – Limassol motorway, heading towards Limassol. Upon reaching Limassol, take exit number 28, signposted to Troodos. Drive along the main road, passing several villages, until Trimiklini. Entering Trimiklini you will see John’s Restaurant and a new florist’s on your left. The start point for our hike is the free parking place before the daily open Farmer’s Market, on the main road, opposite Petrolina gas station. Please, do not park in the parking place near the church.

How to get to the walk start, coming from Limassol:

From Polemidia roundabout, drive north towards Troodos. Drive past Katerina Sweets, Doros Restaurant and Lania Police Station on your left. Entering Trimiklini you will see John’s Restaurant and a new florist’s on your left. The start point for our hike is the free parking place before the daily open Farmer’s Market, on the main road, opposite Petrolina gas station. Please, do not park in the parking place near the church.

 How to get to the meeting point for the car trip, coming from the Hilton hotel area:

Get yourself on Makarios Avenue, heading out of town and set your odometer to zero as you drive past the Nicosia Hilton hotel. At the 0.1 km reading you reach traffic lights (with the Apoel club building on your right), go straight. At the 0.5 km reading you reach another set of traffic lights, go straight. Driving along, you pass a few more traffic lights, staying on this main road (named Leoforos Lemesou/ Limassol Avenue). At the 2.1 km reading, you reach a principal set of traffic lights. Set your odometer to zero again and turn right here. You are now in Leoforos Athalassas, a very busy avenue. At the 0.2 km reading you see a large empty space on your right and the Handicrafts Centre (a single-storey building) on your left. Park in the parking area. We meet here. The Handicrafts Centre is next to the church of St. Barnabas.

How to get to the meeting point for the car trip, coming from the Presidential Palace area:

Get to the round-about next to the Presidential Palace. From downtown Nicosia you reach this along the Kyriakou Matsi avenue or along the D. Severi avenue. Set your odometer to zero on the round-about and drive along the principal road towards Strovolos. At the 0.3 km reading you reach traffic lights. Go straight. At the 0.6 km reading you reach a 2nd set of traffic lights. Set your odometer to zero again and turn left. You are now in Leoforos Athalassas, a very busy avenue full of shops. At the 2.6 km reading you see a large empty space on your left and the Handicrafts Centre (a single-storey building) on your right. Park here.

Google Maps: Here is a map for those coming from the Hilton area to the meeting place for the car trip http://tinyurl.com/phjc6s7

Google Maps: Here is a map for those coming from the Presidential Palace area to the meeting place for the car trip http://tinyurl.com/neo9duy

Disclaimer: If you attend a Cyprus Strollers walk you do so entirely at your own risk. The Cyprus Strollers is a social club and neither the organizers nor the leader of the walk are responsible for the health and safety of those taking part. If you do not wish to receive further e-mails, reply to this message, stating so.