Corfu Mountaineering and Trekking Club to place signage along all Corfu paths
path signage
23 Jul 2018
/ 12:55
CORFU. An important initiative to aid trekking tourism and alternative tourism.
Walking trails in Greece have had signage for several years - mainly in mountainous regions such as Epirus and some islands. The signage is usually placed along old traditional paths used by locals before the existence of asphalt roads suitable for motor vehicles. In many instances these paths pass through areas of great natural beauty but can be dangerous for those who don't know the area if there is a lack of signage.
On numerous occasions the Fire Service, via the European emergency 112 number, has been called out to assist nature lovers who have become trapped or simply disorientated. Despite separate initiatives taken by sports clubs or individuals, Corfu still doesn't have a broad network of signed routes allowing people to enjoy the island's natural beauty away from the popular beaches.
But now Corfu Mountaineering & Trekking Club is taking steps to attract safe trekking tourism by placing signs along Corfu's walking paths.
Statement from the Club:
The first stage aims to cover the area around Stavros and Agion Deka and will be completed by the end of the summer.
We ordered and have already received the first 79 signs (made from special forex material and digitally printed) which will be placed at the beginning of each path as well as at the crossing points of two or more paths. The intermediate signs will be discreetly coloured but still ensuring the safety of the walker. Paths should have signs that will allow people who don't know the area and don't have a map to follow them without getting lost.
The project is being carried out according to Greek law and current international specifications, whilst always taking the local communities into account.
As well as placing ground signage, a digital database is also being created with all the GPS data for the paths and signs, the shape of all the signs plus photographs. This database will become publicly available and will ensure that signs can be immediately replaced if they are damaged or have deteriorated.
We believe that proper promotion of the island's network of paths will not only fulfil one of our club's goals, but will also benefit the local community and economy by allowing Corfu to become an important destination for trekking tourism.
The work is being carried out by volunteers from the club and all the materials (signage, colours etc.) are being bought with club funds.
On numerous occasions the Fire Service, via the European emergency 112 number, has been called out to assist nature lovers who have become trapped or simply disorientated. Despite separate initiatives taken by sports clubs or individuals, Corfu still doesn't have a broad network of signed routes allowing people to enjoy the island's natural beauty away from the popular beaches.
But now Corfu Mountaineering & Trekking Club is taking steps to attract safe trekking tourism by placing signs along Corfu's walking paths.
Statement from the Club:
The first stage aims to cover the area around Stavros and Agion Deka and will be completed by the end of the summer.
We ordered and have already received the first 79 signs (made from special forex material and digitally printed) which will be placed at the beginning of each path as well as at the crossing points of two or more paths. The intermediate signs will be discreetly coloured but still ensuring the safety of the walker. Paths should have signs that will allow people who don't know the area and don't have a map to follow them without getting lost.
The project is being carried out according to Greek law and current international specifications, whilst always taking the local communities into account.
As well as placing ground signage, a digital database is also being created with all the GPS data for the paths and signs, the shape of all the signs plus photographs. This database will become publicly available and will ensure that signs can be immediately replaced if they are damaged or have deteriorated.
We believe that proper promotion of the island's network of paths will not only fulfil one of our club's goals, but will also benefit the local community and economy by allowing Corfu to become an important destination for trekking tourism.
The work is being carried out by volunteers from the club and all the materials (signage, colours etc.) are being bought with club funds.
We are, of course, happy to receive donations or sponsorship from individuals, businesses and local societies in order to complete the work as soon as possible throughout the island.
