During winter time, the Arillas Cultural Organization in cooperation with other residents and the Business Organization, have made efforts to create a foot path between the two main roads of our Area, as well as a walking trail that starts at the beach between Inas Shop and Mirage Pool along the Arillas Stream, up to the bridge after the bakery and then all the way to the olive-groves of the Agricultural area of our village.
(http://www.arillas.com/images/stories/arillas_trail.jpg) (http://www.arillas.com/trail) It leads in to areas that have not been easily accessed by visitors until today as there have not been any signs of orientation.
Walking through this trail you will be able to observe Arillas from a different point of view in a fantastic environment of plants and trees where time has stopped many years ago.
The roads that you will see are created mainly in order to access everyone's harvest for transporting it to the local olive press. There are no buildings but the only signs of modern civilization are the nets that are used to collect the olives.
The trail ends at the Corfu Microbrewery where you can stop for a free beer sample and guided tour inside or keep going till the beach again.
This project will not be the only one. We have future plans for creating a whole network of such signed paths where you will be able to walk under the shade of our over 400 years old olivetrees even until Sidari.
The first official walk will be on MayDay, (Tuesday 1st May 2012 at 10:00 pm ) where we invite everyone who is currently in Arillas to join us.
At the end we will be having a small party at the Corfu Microbrewery where you will be offered local specialties and loads of Corfu beer. All sponsored by the people of Arillas.
Just follow the red and white signs as above and enjoy.
Wow! This sounds wonderful and another delight for our holiday come the end of June.
Gary & Carolyn
I agree sounds wonderful. One of the delights of Arillas is the walks around the village, and the before breakfast walk to Afionas and back...I love that one..husband always tries to wriggle out of it..but when we arrive back in Arillas about 9am and sit on a bench watching the sea, he always says.."That was lovely..just do not expect me to do anything else today!
We will be enjoying the new walk in the village!
Thank you Dimitris for this latest news. Look forward to walking this trail in June.
What a fabulous addition to the joys that the village offers. So many will take advantage of it.
And for us less mobile folks, the conversations about the walks and the pictures people take, will be special.
Congratulations to the Arillas people who are developing and promoting our special place in such a pro-active and energetic fashion.
Phil
It's a great idea Dimitris and what an asset to the village.
We are looking forward to doing the walk, but so sorry we won't make the official opening. Might try to fit it in today before we go to Sharon's table top sale....
See you later,
Eileen.xxx
this sounds great cant wait to try it looking forward to the different views i will see
June 22nd can't come quick enough.
dimitris and all
it sound like a great idea, as walking is a main part of peoples holidays to keep fit and active ,,well done ,,yammas
Sounds a great walk, would love to be there with you all but it is not to be. Will have a go later in the month even with my little legs im sure that the love we have for Arillas will surge me on. Love Viv
Brilliant idea Dimitris and a great walk to look forward too ,Now I'm going to be cheeky ,any chance of plotting the route on google earth and posting it on here ?
Tony :-)
That sounds great pity my wife and i will miss the 2nd but we will be givinig it a go on sat the 5th and then we will have our own little party
This really is good news, but ( I'm sorry to be negative) I hope some thing is being done about the donkey track. The thought of not being able to have that wonderful walk, with fantastic views, up to the Akrotiri Bar or further on to San Stefanos is awful. If the path isn't passable or an alternative route, close to the existing one, can't be provided it is going to make a lot of people very disappointed. It could also create problems for Nikos, because I am sure he would see less customers.
When we go in June/July it can be very hot and the last thing you want to do is walk inland and uphill for a lunchtime drink. It is far better to be walking close to the sea.
I am really pleased about this new trail but I really hope the coastal walk can be made passable for the coming season.
What fantastic news Dimitris!!
Thank you to everyone in and around Arillas for creating this opportunity for us all
We won't be there until 21st May but look forward to trying out the walks when we do get there - this is a great opportunity to improve the already wonderful Arillas
Janis x
Arillas has another path - http://www.pathoflove.net/programs/holiday_retreat?page=holiday_retreat :-)
What a brilliant thing to do and I imagine it will quickly become popular with visitors. Should I get to Arillas this year it will certainly be on the 'to do' list.
Thanks Dimitris and the people of Arillas for the opportunity to explore other parts of the village :-)
Quote from: TONYNEW on April 27, 2012, 10:39:19 AM
Now I'm going to be cheeky ,any chance of plotting the route on google earth and posting it on here ?
Tony :-)
Thanks for the feed back, I don't know how it can be done on goggle earth.
I can provide you with the following image where the path is shown.
Perhaps someone can draw it on google earth and post it here.
What a lovely idea, like a little treasure hunt with beer at the end! Sounds perfect and I will enjoy in July.
Thank you, Dimitris.
QuotePerhaps someone can draw it on google earth and post it here.
It just needs someone to walk it carrying an Android phone or Iphone with a tracking App. I use one called Cardiotrainer
(http://www.noom.com/cardiotrainer/about.php ) and it just uses GPS to track your walk and uploads it to the internet. It produces a KML file that you can share to be viewed in Google Earth.
looking forward to that, now that martin can walk, we will be doing that one!
ger x
This is how the file could be shared - try this link and download the kml file. It will then open in Google earth
http://www.box.com/shared/9cd2e834fcdf94d42cd9
Another positve for the village we call home. Something similar to the heritage trail a few years back.
Will definitely try out the walk and to finish off with a beer, what more could you ask.
Thanks, Dimitris.
Paul
I like the publicity poster.
The Path of Arillas
Come celebrate May Day walk in the paths of Arillas, discovering the magic of nature along with our Cultural Association.
10:00 am start from the beach of Arillas a 6 km trail that takes about 2 hours and ends at the Corfu Microbrewery, where the housewives in our area will treat you with traditional dishes accompanied by our local fresh beer straight from production. Organization: Cultural Initiative Arillas
(http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3462/arillaswalk.jpg)
That is brilliant Dimitris, thanks to everyone who was involved. We will walk the route in July!
Looking forward to the new walk Dimitris, this will open up a whole new aspect of Arillas because we will know we are not trespassing on someones land.
Val x
Hi Dimitris just had a quick try to plot the map but the image you posted is slightly small to really recognize the exact route i can make certain landmarks out but there is a lot of guess work as to the route
If you have Google earth open it and go to the Arillas area on your toolbar at the top is ruler click that then a box opens click the path tab then put your cursor over where you want to start the route and click then move your cursor to the next part of road or path you wish the route to be on and click again and you will see that section highlighted then just carry on doing the same right to the end of the route and save it you can then download the pic with the plotted route on for here
Here is an example of what it will look like this is the Racing circuit around Corfu town
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/TNEW349484/CorfuTownRacecircuit-2.jpg)
I will be sending you the picture in full dimensions.
it will then be much easier.
An excellent project Dimitris. I hope we can fit it in during May.
Dennis
Thanks Dimitris i will get on with plotting ASAP we are just changing ISPs today but should have it plotted by tomorrow :-)
Quote from: TONYNEW on April 27, 2012, 10:39:19 AM
Brilliant idea Dimitris and a great walk to look forward too ,Now I'm going to be cheeky ,any chance of plotting the route on google earth and posting it on here ?
Tony :-)
Ref the signed trail walk ,look up the hand drawn map of arillas and you trace the the route to the BP station
Where is the hand drawn map PPMAN is it on here or another site ?
Tony, the handed drawn map is in other maps, but I don't think the whole walk is on this map.
Val x
Quote from: TONYNEW on April 28, 2012, 10:10:30 AM
Where is the hand drawn map PPMAN is it on here or another site ?
Hi Tony just go key word maps there are two one concise and one which you have to expand < have done part way from Inias but then had turn back as it was so overngrown near the bridge
I think Ive got it rightfor the Arillas Trail the main route in yellow i also added an alternative route in red near the end of the trail for those staying nearer Annas Studios, Mathraki And Zambeta apartments etc
Tony
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w1/TNEW349484/ArillasTrail.jpg)
Nice one Tony. Expect the signs will help folk find their way as well. I might have a go on my own if I get time in July. Know I will love it, but Jen has a problem walking 40 yards, let alone 4 miles. I can always take her back loads of photos. Secretly she will be glad of a couple of hours sat in Graziella with her book, beer and taramasalata.....
I will definitely walk it in October when we are "all alone in Arillas."
yammas
Phil
A Royal Ionion half way round at the brewery Phil and a well deserved mythos at the end in an establishment of your choice :-)
Tony
Sorry I couldnt be there in May, can you keep my beer in the fridge for me when I come in July. lol
Will deffo do the walk. cheers
Is the donkey walk up to San Stephanos still walkable? Last did it in June 2010 and it was quite eroded then.... Very sad, wonderful views, fantastic bar Akritori(?) at the top - great place to rest.
Will be really disappointed if we can't do it this Sept.
PS: Mind you - might not be safe to do until we've recovered from the wine festival :-)
We did it in July last year Daisyday. It was a bit iffy passing overlooking the beach but ok and from someone who is not good with heights that can't be bad.
Thanks Tony, saved to my desktop and now when I open it I can see all.
Daisy day, We did the other route in October which takes you to the Akritori if Ive done it right here is the route we took.
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/alternative_walk_to_thepath.jpg)
OOps sorry Boss, your thread didnt mean to go of subject. See you Monday. Love & lots of kisses.
Thanks Vivian and Stevemary - we will try the goat walk again in Sept ....making sure our life insurance is up to date!
Thanks Dimitris for information re the new walking trail-
the area around Arillas is so pretty - it is great that you have
created a marked trail-
I now need to pack sturdier boots - can't do that one in flip flops! See you in July
Many thanks
Deb and Paul
Yes, I wondered about footwear too! Can anyone who has done the trail tell me if I need sturdy footwear or can you get away with the usual "holiday sandals?" Not sure we would manage the whole walk anyway but it looks from the map as if you could do the first part and then join the road back to the centre of the village. Can't wait to find out in two weeks time.
Hi Jean, I walk it in good quality sandals as it can get very slippery, even when dry, and its worse when walking back down the hill on the gravelly bits. I don't think it would be easy in flip flops.
Thanks Terry. A good excuse to go shopping then!
I did the new trail a couple of weeks ago and would advise you to pack a pair of trainers. As Terry says you need to wear something with a bit of grip as it is fairly steep in places.
Vivian has spotted this afternoon a bird in our river near the bridge by Elena Stella Apartments.
Does anyone know what kind of bird would that be?
Not sure Dimitris but it could be a Bittern take a look at at the link
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bittern/index.aspx (http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/b/bittern/index.aspx)
Same as Tony....my first thought was a Bittern...or possibly a wooden carving..eyesight is very bad, but is certainly shaped like a Bittern. Was it making a noise, a bittern makes a booming noise, have them here in Norfolk in Broads area, of course a Bittern in Greece may make a totally differnt sound..lol! xx
Just took another look with my glasses on...Tony think Dimitris is winding us up...think it is a carved....bittern!!!xx
Georgia , I thought the same, it certainly looked like a wooden carving, but as I know nothing about birds I didn't want to say so.
Even the 'nest' looked odd to me. But.........
Just looked up Bittern on the link Tony posted and it is standing exactly like a real Bittern, all we need now is to see it fly and we can both look foolish. (or buy new glasses) ;)
Val x
Or have we been 'bittern' Lol
Yer rotten lot! When does the boss ever wind us up?? It even had me looking up birds on the internet. (And anyone who read that and had an evil thought, say 100 Hail Marys. )
I wouldn't put it past our viv and Pete to be sharing a laugh with Dimitri. And GOODONEM!
Phil
They have been spotted before in europe and they do like freshwater fishing.
Seen them in Norfolk Georgia on the nature reserve at Blakeney like you say you can't mistake the boomong sound they make
It's actually a friendly bird , on its own, but very rare to find them in pairs.
Hence the proverb "Once bittern , twice shy"
Cheers
Negg
Nice one Dimitris. April 1st comes a bit late in Arillas.
I know you never take me seriously ....
But this time I'm not jocking at all . When you walk this path you will see what I mean.
If I was to make a fool of you..... you would not have taken any notice yet.!!! Lol
Dimitris
Georgia, which Specsavers shall I meet you at Lol.
Val x
Yes Vainbill good plan we could split the cost..buy one pair get one free!
I will be in Arillas next week...this 'to be...bittern..or not to be...bittern will be investigated! x
Have a great time Georgia....I know you will!
no joshing, It has been identified as an inmature Little Bitten, which may mean it has sibblings about as well as Mum & Dad. Also now seen quite a few birds we havent seen before which I wil post when we get back.
http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/birds.htm
This has been useful to me in identifying birds in Arillas before.
The Golden Oriole is such a wonderful colour and can't be mistaken for anything else once you have seen it.
They are usually more common in the autumn but have been spotted this spring. They love to feed on ripe fruit so they are a bit of a pest to farmers.
Now then Dimitris...... how about setting up some birdwatching tours for "twitchers" ? You could have some fun with that!!!
Cheers Nan x
A Member of RSPB :-)
Sally and i set out along the banks of the Arillas River,we got so far and met Viv and Pete,off the 4 of us went,we then met Sallys brother and his Wife so now we were 6,We followed the trail,about 5 and 1/2 miles long,what a fantastic walk this is,we saw parts of Arillas we never knew exsisted,some lovely valleys and wooded areas with tons of Butterflys(thats a lot of em),grasshoppers, birds and the one snake which shot off into the undergrowth when i showed snake.A real superb walk i would reccomend to everyone.A big big thanks to everyone in Arillas who have given up their time and land to get this trail going.
The bird is a young Little Bitten and it is real,Sallys brother identified it as such when Pete showed him the picture,and Chris does know his birds.
thanks Harold. I can just imagine as the team grew, and grew, and grew along the trail. Sadly for Jen, she can barely walk from Bardis to Mirage without a break, so these delights will be embodied in any pictures that get posted on forum. HINT!
It just goes to show how much the Arillas families have done to enhance our newby arrivals' experience (and us old hands too....) I loved the post from spicy who came for the first time in May and has already booked September. just need another couple of hundred cases like that.
Phil
Just trying to add photos of trail to my photobucket account will let you know if it works not posting them on forum as there are 68. Viv x
Don't forget to put your photobucket link on here Viv PS whats new in Arillas ?
Loaded but how do I put link on, Dur, Pete at work and he does these thing for me normally but always says " if I wasnt here you would find a way of doing it so Tony Im counting on you to come up with an answer before 1600 today. (or anybody else) help. Love Viv x
I think this is it, I will have a go now.
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/
http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g262/viviankizzysmum/Ariullas%20Trail%2014-5-2012/
Its the posting above this but to get it in order you have to go page 3 then 1 then 2. but at least you will be able to see them. Viv
Many thanks Viv, although I won't be walking the whole trail myself it was great to see your photos and get a real feel of it, my brother-in-law walks a lot and when he came to Arillas for the first time last year he said that the walking was something he really enjoyed, so this trail will be great for when he returns this year.
Val x
Some great Photos there Viv,the little grasshopper looks quite big.pete got a great close up there.
Hi Harold, yes Pete has some great photo's but I took that one with my little camera. Will ask Pete to e-mail you some of his. Love Viv
Incase any body is wondering all photos I have posted on here or photo bucket are taken with the Sony DSC TX20 Digital and are copy right to me.
Any I post of Pete,s I will tell you altough im sure you will see the differance anyway.
Viv x
Quote from: Eileen on May 18, 2012, 12:03:39 AM
I did the new trail a couple of weeks ago and would advise you to pack a pair of trainers. As Terry says you need to wear something with a bit of grip as it is fairly steep in places.
Like Eileen, my wife and I walked the whole trail two weeks ago (last week of May). It's fantastic, we even came across a tortoise. If you're thinking of doing it all, a few pointers. 1, Take plenty of water as there is nowhere to buy any on the route. 2, Watch out at some of the junctions, the signs are there, but can be obscured by foliage. 3, a mobile phone should be carried as some bits are steep and remote. (how you would discribe were you are to emergency services is another matter). 4, Give yourself plenty of time, especially if the day is reasonably/very hot. We took just over two hours to get around the whole route. 5, Enjoy it's Arillas :@)
perfic Greenbeans. Welcome to the forum, it is an eclectic blend of Arillas and madness. I probably represent the latter.....
Goodonyer for persevering and walking the whole shebang. And of course for reporting back. Did you find any dehydrated bodies along the way?
Looking forward in 4 weeks time to hearing all the new trail stories. And seeing more pics on forum. Moi? I will be in the Coconut with friends I adore, drinking Mythos.....
Phil
After viewing Viviens photos I'm looking forward to this walk during our holiday starting June 18th. My daps are ready to pack!!!!!!
I know the trail is marked out by signs but here`s a daft question - IS IT OBVIOUS ie you can`t make a wrong turn anywhere? ( Not that it would matter).
Paul
Quote from: Paul D on June 11, 2012, 05:24:17 PM
I know the trail is marked out by signs but here`s a daft question - IS IT OBVIOUS ie you can`t make a wrong turn anywhere? ( Not that it would matter).
Paul
Some of the markers are a little way to the left or right of a junction. It's better to scout along till you find them than take a chance and set off down the wrong track.
I've done some runs around Arillas, with a Garmin watch, unfortunately I can't embed them in the forum. Anyway, here is a link to one of them:
http://connect.garmin.com/player/142699126#
select satellite view to get a nice picture. :)
Should be possible with the walks and such, or, as someone mentioned, with an iPod or Android phone.
The new trail sounds just the thing to try out my new camera when i return to Arillas in September!And a great bonus to finish at the micro brewery and try the local beers!Looking forward to our stay at the Makris and three weeks of chilling out!!
Paul
martin and i did the walk in june last year, martin tested his new knees, so terry should be ok diane!!! it was hard work, and you will need to carry lots of water with you it will be hot in june! it was amazing though!
ger x
We did the walk last year in September, Angie said she did not think she was up to walking to San Stef, so we took the trail.... oh dear, how long and unexpected was that, but absolutely fantastic we did it twice more, but this time we were prepared with lots of water.
V&A
Just back from 3 weeks and walked the trail so many times in each direction! First time was in flip flops and no water as I set off to just peek at the village part of it but couldn't resist carrying on as it just got better and better - oops! foot wear wasn't an issue for me (guessing it would be for most though) but omg! do not do it without water! It is a truly wonderful trail taking you to parts of Arillas you may have never seen before and is a must for every visitor able to do it! Highly recommended and a huge thanks to all involved in it - if you ever need volunteers to help maintain it give me a shout - would be more than happy to help.
We did it at 11am beginning of July thinking it was about 2-3km. By 2pm and 8.5km later all we saw apart from the wonderful views and wildlife was the Grim Reaper trying to tap me on the shoulder. OMG. The Boss has promised to ad a distance count on it for the unsuspecting plums like us :-) Water and plenty of it is the order of the day.
Haha Gaz that made me chuckle. Mick did iy yesterday. Set off around 8.30am and was decidedly 'off colour' for the rest of the day haha. Admittedly he got lost at one point but promised Dimitris he would post a diary of his first attempt when we get home (horrid thought)
Though Mandy did the trail when it first opened, this year was my first opportunity to explore it. Mandy lead me several mornings on parts of it local to our our Villa (the first of which was the uphill section behind our villa up to Magoulades. Gee thanks!)
I have come to love the trail. I completed the whole circuit for the first time yesterday. It's been a few years since I did any serious walking but this last 2 weeks have put me back in the flow of going for a Bimble.
It's just challenging enough to grant real a sense of achievement and mixes fantastic tranquility and spectacular beauty (particularly some of the valleys, views over Arillas and St. Stephanos.
A very belated well done to Dimitri and his team for putting this together and opening up areas which we never would have had an opportunity to enjoy.
Any one with a spare couple of hours in the cool of a morning should try it!
Hello.
Is this trail still a thing??
Sounds like something I'd love to have a go at (IF we manage to get to Arillas later this year - Covid Travel Lists, Testing and Wildfires permitting) but wondered if the signage is still in place or maybe even some kind of sketched map available in the village. Don't have the tech kit available to track it en-route so some sort of guidance would be good.
TIA
Yes its still the thing on May 1st every year (I dont know about last year) but lots of the local and holiday makers meet at the front, get their photos taken and then off we all go. Some race it and some just take it easy but nobody ever gets left behind by them selfs. We have done quite a few times. Finish at the brewry and have something to eat and drink and some music. Does anybody remember the old Heritage Trail, used to love doing that, wasnt so far and used to love the Donkey in the back field, who always seem to know who had an apple or carrot and who didnt.
Thanks for the info Vivian.
I've been looking at the Google Satellite/Street View and it looks like there are a few possibilities for some shorter walks in and around that area. We hope to go in early September so the May 1st group walk wouldn't fit that plan but it's certainly given me a lot of inspiration for exploring!
Not been to Arillas since 2008 so it would be great to see if and how anything has changed.
Load of little walks and always something you notice that you havent before even if its only different plants.
Quote from: dimitris on May 19, 2012, 11:03:40 AM
I know you never take me seriously ....
But this time I'm not jocking at all . When you walk this path you will see what I mean.
If I was to make a fool of you..... you would not have taken any notice yet.!!! Lol
Dimitris
Just read this again been laughing like mad, Honest it is a inmatur bitten, we heard Mum fly away making a horrable noise and then this stick opened its eyes, we couldnt believe it at the time. But its all the truth. XX