The Cyprus Strollers had a very rich experience, from several angles, on the 1st excursion of the new season, on 3rd October: a wonderful turnout, made of regular members and first time Strollers; also participating were friends from a similar hiking club in Israel; all together, we had Strollers from 4 different Continents; logistics worked out smoothly; the hike was beautiful, in fresh weather conditions; the picnic was rewarding, and included the highlight of smoked salmon, fished in Alaska by Ian, during his recent trip! Compliments to Amanda, Jiawei and Koula for the photos.
Tag Archives: Hiking
Exciting Highlights of the Season Starting 3rd October
Lots of new and exciting things are happening, and here are a few highlights:
- There are 12 excursions scheduled over October – December; of these, 6 are either entirely new or hikes containing new aspects
- There are 8 different Walk Leaders, who are responsible for leading the Cyprus Strollers on these 12 activities; this represents a great accomplishment, and is a clear sign of the true hiking spirit, a spirit of togetherness, sharing and giving; please join me in applauding Amanda, Christos, Ian, Laurent, Lowell, Mary and Patricia, the Walk Leaders for October – December 2015, alongside Xenophon
- In compiling the Schedule, effort has been made to plan repeat hikes on the alternate day of the weekend, than conducted before, following a request from members
- On the inaugural hike on 3 October, and for the 1st time, we are offering participants the choice of selecting between a taverna meal or a picnic at the end; this choice is not feasible on many walks, but where possible, we can repeat the benefit
- Also on the 3 October outing, and for the 1st time, we are offering a linear hike where we shall not walk back to the starting point, because it would make hiking too long and arduous; inadvertently, this calls for special driving arrangements and registering in advance; please study the instructions very carefully and abide by them, respecting the organizers’ efforts and other participants
In your evaluation and comments you also requested earlier start times, thus the usual start time for the car trip from Nicosia is 9:45 am. Several Strollers want an earlier start time particularly on hot days; with this in mind, the 3 October hike leaves Nicosia at 9:00 am. We shall continue to monitor weather conditions and bring about modifications, where possible.
Some of you prefer tavernas, others prefer picnics. We shall continue to offer both. A picnic is only possible, when the weather is fine. On some destinations, a picnic is chosen, because there is no taverna in the vicinity.
A few expressed a desire to move to a different taverna when we return to the same area, for the sake of variety. Unfortunately, this is not feasible; either because it is a burden to search for, get to know and agree with a new proprietor every time, or because some tavernas have limited space or limited menu. Importantly, no Stroller made a negative comment concerning our usual dining places.
Further to the novelties, there are a few things which remain unchanged, and characterize the Cyprus Strollers as a unique hiking club; among them:
- Commitment to first-class planning and organization
- Excursions alternate between Saturdays and Sundays, thus appealing to more people
- Dedicated website, fully informed, well in advance, in English
- Our caring, multinational character; we are open to Strollers of any nationality, both permanent residents, as well as visitors to the island
- Shared passion for hiking and enjoying the Cyprus countryside, in pleasant company.
The Cyprus Strollers are committed to “Hiking made Pleasant”, our slogan. Please help us to carry on delivering on this promise, with your valuable contribution.
Thank you and enjoy the many walks in store.
A Bright New Season Coming Up Soon
Hello and welcome back, after the summer break. The Cyprus Strollers are ready to kick-off their 3rd season of operation. Please visit the Activities Schedule section on this website, to view, download and study the program of weekly hiking activities for October, November and December 2015. For any activity that catches your attention, please visit the Activities Description section on this website, to view, download and read a complete set of instructions.
Thank you to all members who filled-in and sent their evaluation and comments.
Sand Dust Alert for 12 Sept.
The unprecedented levels of sand dust, covering the entire island since 7 Sept. are forecast to prevail throughout this week. Hence, we are raising this alert. In the event of high levels of dust on Saturday 12 September, the European Week of Sport hike on Pedieos will not go ahead.
You are advised to visit this website again on Saturday afternoon. In case of cancellation, there will be a new message posted. If the event goes ahead as planned, there will be no further messages.
Giveaways in store, on Sat. 12 Sept.
The Cyprus Strollers, KOA (Cyprus Sports Organization) and the European Union Organizers of the European Week of Sport have combined efforts and resources, to bring participants to the 12 September Pedieos river banks hike giveaways and souvenirs. These will be handed out on a first come first served basis, so make sure you are at the starting point by 17:15 hours.
Pedieos river hike 12 Sept. 17:30 hrs – an Extraordinary event
Join the Cyprus Strollers on Saturday 12 September 2015, on an extraordinary hike on the Pedieos river trail. The activity marks our club’s contribution to a European Week of Sport, from 7 to 13 Sept., aiming to promote sport and physical activity across Europe, under the slogan #BEACTIVE. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. Consequently, the Pedieos hike is easy and an excellent opportunity for anyone considering taking up hiking, to test themselves. For this event, The Cyprus Strollers cooperate with the Cyprus Mountaineering, Sport Climbing and Orienteering Federation. Visit the Activities Description section for full instructions.
Love in the Summer
Memorable finale to this season’s Hikes – Platres Caledonian Waterfall, 31 May
A large group of Strollers took part in the excursion of 31 May, the last scheduled hike for the season January – May 2015. There were Strollers from 7 nationalities and 4 continents, giving the Cyprus Strollers a truly international identity. We hiked along Kryos Potamos river, all the way up from Platres to Troodos and back. The weather was idyllic, with clouds offering protection from the sun, later a few minutes of light rain, and then a beautiful mist. The outing ended with a full meze meal in a taverna. Compliments to Christos for leading the walk and Alex for the photos. Many thanks to Chrysi and Despina for choosing to surprise Xenophon with a delicious chocolate gateau, to celebrate one year of the club’s activities!
Troodos Prodromos Excellent Stroll 23 May
This penultimate stroll for the season, on 23 May on Troodos Prodromos, was extremely rewarding, in terms of exercise, scenery, the forest of pine and golden oak, companionship and the meal at the taverna. Some clouds and the density of the forest ensured that the sun was manageable. Strollers were further rewarded with views of a few Limodorum abortivum plants, a rare orchid that can disappear for several years during periods of drought, and then it reappears when conditions become more favourable (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/limodorum-abortivum.php). Compliments to Barbara, our Botany expert and member of the Athens Strollers, for identifying the orchid species. Compliments to Marina and Amanda for the photos.
Hot Strollers climb on Mahairas Kakokefalos 17 May
On a hot Sunday, a brave group of Cyprus Strollers climbed from Mandra tou Kampiou to Kakokefalos summit and back. Even though the entire hike was in the forest of Mahairas, much of the trail was exposed to the sun, and there was not a single cloud. In terms of flowers, there was an abundance of rock rose (xistarka) and also several lavenders (lavandula, known in Cyprus as myrophora). Compliments to Despina, Alex and George for the photos.

















