After waiting some four years, having assisted with the initial field work, I thought the hiking project was a gonna! Not so! Feeling particular disheartened one day recently, I asked the question of our mayor, Stamatis Perissis, and this was his reponse:
“In September, we were informed that the large project of E600,000 for the paths of Skopelos we had submitted from 2021-2022 would be approved.”
I then asked Stephenos Psimenos, owner of Terrain, who GPSd and prepared the proposal and this is his response:
“My latest information – directly from the Ministry of Environment – regarding the project is that the Trails Signposting Study carried out by Terrain, which had been submitted to the Ministry of Environment for funding, HAS BEEN APPROVED. However, as it was not approved by the Forestry Agency of Skopelos, the Municipality put pressure on them, got their approval/signature on the Study and resubmitted it to the Ministry. Now that everything is OK we are expecting to have the official announcement of the approval and the funding, by late October. If everything goes according to plan, before the end of the year, the Mayor will announce the implementation of the project and the work will start early Spring 2025.”
This project not only includes signs but also three years maintenance. It has also highlight ‘hotspots’ where land owners have attempted to close or deter hikers from using ancient trails near their property. These trails were naturally included and they have been passed as officially existing. The owners will therefore have to come to an agreement to either let pedestrians pass as they have done for hundreds of years, or officially redirect, as near to the original as possible, not just verbally, so conflicts can finally be put to rest. Furthermore, since the study was first carried out, many portions of trails have sadly been asphalted.
The study can’t be made available for general viewing until after the auction for a contractor has been completed. Dimitris Papadimitriou at the town hall should be mentioned for his efforts in expediting the final approval.
Duncan
That’s fabulous, hiking is the reason we are here for two weeks. Great work, I’m sure Greek paperwork is even more demanding than Australian!
Heather Parsons
You’ll have to come back next year to enjoy the new signs and boards.
Greg and Pauline
That’s fantastic news Heather, well done persevering with this very worthwhile project, see you soon .
Wendy M
Fantastic news Heather
Pauline & Kevin
That’s amazing news Heather! Well done to you for all your hard work and dedication to this project.
Malcolm Hunter
Fabulous news, and a wonderful testament to your dedication, hard work and persistence. Does it meant that the season could be extended by a month at the beginning and end when the weather is more conducive to hiking, and the trails promoted to walking groups throughout Europe and beyond?
Heather Parsons
Wow that would be nice. By word of mouth though maybe pressure can be applied.
Debs Earl
OMG that’s absolutely brilliant news, well done Heather, your hard work and perseverance has paid off. They should have kept you updated though, not left you to worry. Good job you asked.
We’re arriving on the 22nd Sept just for a week. If you’re doing any guided walks then I’d love to come along. Debs
Shirley and Chris Hailstone
That’s absolutely wonderful news, Heather – well done we are very thrilled and look forward to walking all your trails again maybe next spring???
Anita
Well done Heather. That’s great news and a real testament to all your hard work and commitment. You’ve done so much to preserve the footpaths of Skopelos.
Jo Storrow
That’s very good news after a lot of hard work. We are staying in Glossa and would like to follow your trail to Ag Iannis Heather and wonder if it is possible?
Heather Parsons
The trail does need some clipping but you can take the donkey path from the asphalt that runs behind the school. It joins the dirt road where you turn right. Continue to a turning left. Keep going on this forest road all the way to The Monopaty. It’s a bit boring but the trail has one section which is particularly difficult and it needs attention.
Martin & Sally Dulieu
Congratulations Heather. We were so happy to hear this. Looking forward to seeing you in April when I will stand you a celabration meal.
Heather Parsons
Thanks guys. May even be done by the time you arrive! Xx
Martin Dulieu
Yeah, I know it’s celebration – FFT.