Walks in Northeast Thasos - updates
Update and corrections from May 2011 (to May 2008 edition)
My thanks to Stuart Holley who comments on Walk 15 Skala Potamias to Klisidi ridge to Skala Potamias.
Para 4.
Walk Book: This track initially follows the left stream then swings back towards a gullybed to the right. however, before it runs alongside the right gully, take a steep, obvious path up to the left. This shortcuts the track and rejoins it later – go left on rejoining the track.
SH: "Although I had done this walk before, this year we were unable to locate the shortcut footpath refered to in paragraph 4. After several unsuccessful attempts to find the path, which had become overgrown, we went back to the main track and followed that."
Paras 5-7. "New young pine trees now obscure the viewpoints."
Para 8 onwards.
Walk Book: Go right, onward with the main track to another cleared area on the left, and go left on the less-used, descending track to the right of this clearing (where the main onward track towards Kínyra stays level).
SH: "We also took an alternative route which uses the higher level path marked on your map to head back west, rather than carry on east down to the main road. It makes the walk longer, but there are a number of good viewpoints, out to sea east and south and to the bay, and uninterrupted views to the north from the section of the higher level path going west. (see photos). The other advantage is avoiding the [main] road. You end up at the five-way junction of walk 16, but heading in the opposite direction."
LC: This is an very interesting suggestion, although I have not yet tried the route. It would involve a further ascent of about 120m (to about 530m), with an optional extra to a viewpoint at 550m.
You would stay on the main onward track towards Kinyra, but turn right and up after 150m. The dirt track (occasionally concreted) zigzags up through scattered trees on the Kilisidi ridge, and then along the open ridge to a junction after 1100m (c.530m asl). Here an optional detour up to the left on a partly concrete track zigzags about 370m up to a transmitter at a fine viewpoint (c.550m asl)overlooking Kinyra Bay. Return to the junction, and turn inland (left from the transmitter, or right coming up from the main walk). The track runs along the partly wooded hillside, gradually descending. After a couple of junctions, the main track heads downhill rather more steeply and is badly rutted here. On reaching a lower, more level track (c.340m asl), turn left and follow this along to the five-way junction in Walk 16. From here several routes lead via Agios Dimitrios to Skala Potamias or Golden Beach.
Update and corrections from May 2008 (to May 2004 edition)
The Telebank cash machine in Skala Potamias in Walk 1 (route 2) and Walk 3, is now an Emboriki cash machine. The Climate Shop in Golden Beach does currency exchange.
The minimum bus fare is now €1.40. If you need an English-speaking taxi driver from Panagia/Golden Beach, call Angelos Karanikos on mobile 694 8000 610.
Walk 10. The metal remains of the radar dome installation have been removed from Ypsario summit - most have been taken away, though a few bits have been thrown over the cliff.
Walk 10a. The steep earth section (p19, para 4) was covered in grass in May 2008.
Walk 10a. The markings at the OXI/NAI junction appear to have disappeared, but the route is obvious.
Walk 17. The kalderimi ascent (antepenultimate paragraph) climbs less than the 400m stated.
Lance Chilton and Marengo 2012
Marengo, 17 Bernard Crescent, Hunstanton PE36 6ER, England