Our bodies, minds and souls felt so liberated, on the hike to Stavros Agiasmati of Sunday 25 February. Perhaps because of the large turnout of regular Strollers, members we had not seen for some time and newcomers, from many backgrounds and nationalities. Or the sparkling colours of a precocious Spring. Maybe the sheer luck, to find the splendidly wall-painted byzantine church of Stavros open for our visit, contributed to our euphoria. These wonderful conditions brought out the best in us, evidenced in the cheerfulness of conversations, and playfulness at the lunch table. Compliments to Christos and Clara for the photos. Join us on 3 March at Asinou https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/adelphi-forest-panagia-asinou-hike-3-march/

Our Delikipos hike on Sunday 18 February was an extraordinary experience in many ways. To begin with, it was a hike in the original sense of the word: no designated trail, no marked out path. This was just man exploring nature as God created it. Thanks to our walk leader Ian, who reads his surroundings like a book and had mapped out the route expertly, we could all enjoy this more ‘au naturel’ hike without fear of getting lost.

En route, as we inhaled the fresh air saturated with the scent of wild thyme, it soon became clear that Spring was already here – much earlier than expected. Our snapping phone cameras captured various wild flowers that decorated our route, while frogs croaked in the small stream that we enjoyed crossing a few times as we rambled across this beautiful valley, known to benefit from healthy rainfall. For three hours and covering approximately 9km, it was easy to forget that we were still in February and only half an hour from Nicosia.

Once again, the group that gathered for this hike was a cosmopolitan mix of nature friends from around the world, including regular Strollers and visitors, from countries such as Argentina, Austria, Iceland, Sweden, Lebanon, Iran, China and of course the UK, Greece and Cyprus. All in all, another wonderful opportunity to exercise and socialize with the Cyprus Strollers. Compliments to Ian for leading the outing, to Dina for the summary and to Ramzi, Koula and Clara for the photos. Join us on 25 Feb. at Xyliatos https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/xyliatos-dam-stavros-agiasmati-linear-hike-25-feb/

The Cyprus Strollers took the challenge of a tough hike on Saturday 3 February, on the mountains of Palekhori. The terrain varied from soil to rock, and much of the path was along ridges, alternating between uphill and downhill. These conditions brought out the best in participants! Our large group once more welcomed new members, and all delighted to see the almond tree flowers, crocus flowers and the panoramic views. Compliments to Stalo for leading this outing and to Clara, Christine and Stella for the photos. Join us on 11 Feb along Pedieos gorge https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/pedieos-gorge-mahairas-monastery-11-feb/

ants nest

On Sunday 28 January, under blue skies, the Cyprus Strollers met again for the quintessential strolling experience along the coast of Oroklini, east of Larnaca. The sea, sand and sun delivered the Cyprus component, while the flat terrain was practically created for Strollers. The 4km waterfront section offered the group an 8km-long roundtrip opportunity to rest their eyes on the calm sea, and to admire touching expressions of nature from the community of seagulls, to scattered shells and a rare splash of fiery flowers on the beach. The comfortable route lent itself to conversation, as new Strollers were introduced to regulars, and friends chatted and caught up on one another’s news, snapping photos along the way. A fish and seafood meal at a nearby restaurant concluded this sea-focused day. Compliments to Maria for leading this outing, to Dina for composing this summary and to Nana, Ramzi and Nicos for the photos.

With activities like this, the Cyprus Strollers make a clear statement: this is a club for everyone, kids included, as every season’s schedule includes a few easy walks that allow the young or untrained participants to join the group and gradually ‘mature’ into enthusiastic mountain hikers. Join us on 3 Feb. at Palekhori https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/palekhori-appis-trail-3-feb/

Whenever the Cyprus Strollers head to Cape Greco, this seaside trail attracts not only the regular hikers but also a number of new and occasional strollers. And this week’s hike was a case in point. The large group once again brought together different ages, nationalities, and hiking temperaments, which translated into an extended chain of Strollers that snaked its way around the serene, unspoiled and protected cape that defines the southeastern coast of Cyprus.

Our walk started at the Sea Caves, the most popular landmark of the area, and ended at the seafront chapel of Agioi Anargyroi, with steps leading to the legendary hermit’s cave below. Measuring 8km from start to finish and back, this trail is as rugged as it is gentle; part rocky – forcing you to watch every step – and part effortlessly winding its way through the abundant shrubs of the region. En route we passed a natural stone bridge, as well as vertical stone walls that could have been plucked out of a rock climbing textbook. Smaller gems on the ground also caught the eye: the ground-hugging mandrake, fragrant thyme bushes, miniature wild flowers, and fascinating sea sponge fossils. The real magic, however, was the sapphire sea, our constant companion, glittering in the sun under the clearest of blue skies. At times, the sprawling landscape made it difficult to recognize the trail; special compliments to walk leader Patrick for marking the tricky points with his signature rock mounds, and for identifying a small taverna, which enabled us to conclude the outing with a nice meze lunch. Compliments to Dina for this succulent summary and to Nana, Clara and Nicos for the photos. Join us on 28 Jan. at Oroklini https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/oroklini-dhekelia-coastline-walk-28-jan/

A very large group of Strollers, from countries so diverse as India, Japan, Lebanon, Canada, USA, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Ireland, England, Greece and Cyprus, combined hiking with poetry at Lythrodontas on Sunday 14 January, and welcomed the new year and our new season of strolling, in style, with the cutting and sharing of Vasilopitta. Compliments to Clara for her generous offer of Vasilopitta, as well as the gift of a book of poems by Constantine Cavafy, which was won by Stavros. Best wishes to the lucky man and to all for your patience at dinner! Compliments to Maria and Antonia for the photos. Join us on 20 Jan. at Cape Greco https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/cape-greco-sea-caves-trail-20-jan/

Fine weather accompanied us on the Pedieos river trail, our final walk of 2017. A large group, not only from Nicosia but also Limassol, Larnaca, Aradippou and Paralimni put aside Christmas preparations and shopping, and gathered to walk for three hours along the river banks. Patrick led this pleasant stroll by tall eucalyptus trees, flowering bougainvillea and climbing vines.

Mid-way we stopped for a seasonal sweet – melomacarona – to wish everyone a happy Christmas. We rounded the occasion with another fabulous meze meal.

Finally, a thought from Yuya, one Japanese visiting Stroller. He says that he loves walking groups because they are people who get together with no other motives but to make friends and enjoy nature together. Compliments to Mary for this summary and to Maria, Koula and Clara for the photos.

We hope to see you all, young and old, from near or far, on our 2018 hikes, starting on 7 January. May you have a very merry Christmas and many more delightful walks in the new year, with your favourite club.