Embark on Adventures with the UoL Hiking Club!

Attention, UoL Community! Get ready to lace up your boots and join the adventure with the newly formed University of Limassol Hiking Club!

On a recent sunlit Sunday, amidst the serene trails leading to the Holy Monastery of Agia Varvara, a spontaneous encounter between two students, John and Joanna, and Professor Waldemar Pfoertsch sparked the birth of our club. Their shared journey through the breathtaking Cypriot landscapes was more than just a hike; it was the first step towards a community united by a love for nature and a thirst for exploration.

The trail has since opened up, and we’re calling on all students, faculty, and staff to come together, stride through the rich tapestry of Cyprus, and create memories one step at a time. In collaboration with the seasoned explorers of Cyprus Hiker, we’re setting forth every other Sunday at 10:30 AM for a day of discovery and camaraderie.

Next Stop: Mark your calendars for Sunday, 25th February 2024, for our upcoming group hike. Stay tuned for the meet-up location, which we’ll share in our WhatsApp group five days before we set off.

Ready to join the ranks? Send an email to marketing@uol.ac.cy with your contact information to be forwarded to the president and the team of the UoL Hiking Club.

Announcement update by Prof Waldemar Pfoertsch

Dear Students, Staff, and faculty,

Our first hike of Sunday 25 February with the Cyprus Hiker Group takes place on Madari mountain and goes round in a majestic Grand Circle of 14 km. This hike is rated 3 (difficult) and is expected to take up to 5 hours including stops.  The hike involves significant elevation changes; we start at 1285 m (Selladi Karamanli), go down to the trail’s lower point at 1046 m before we reach Moutti tis Choras at 1174 m, then up to 1345 m (at Doxa si o Theos), then we climb to 1600 m (at the Watch Tower), before the final stretch which is steadily downwards, to take us back to Selladi Karamanli at 1285 m. Part of the trail is in dense forest with pine trees, golden oaks, oaks, and several other species of trees and bushes offering a rich reward to the hiker. Another part of the trail is along rock formations with very little or no vegetation.

The walk starts at 10:00 am. George and Stathis are leading this walk, which will go ahead even in light rain; if you need to, call 96736300. The starting point for this walk is Selladi Karamanli which may be accessed by car, along the only paved road that reaches it, via the village of Saranti. The car park is here:  https://rb.gy/regkks.

Hiking poles are highly recommended for this hike. Furthermore, because of the hike’s duration, you need to carry plenty of water: 1 ½ litres is the recommended minimum quantity. There is NO spring of fresh water en route; just one tap at ‘’Doxa si o Theos’’. There will be several stops on our way which will allow time for a bite, so you are encouraged to bring along some snack, fruit or light food.

If you are coming from Nicosia, you have the choice of meeting the group at the walk start or meet at the designated meeting point in Nicosia. Meeting in Nicosia offers two important advantages: we drive in full cars, leaving some cars behind; thus, we save in fuel and enjoy the trip in good company. The meeting point in Nicosia is the Lefkotheo Athletic Centre (next to Makarion Stadium): https://bit.ly/3iJAegK  which offers ample parking space. The car trip starts at 9:00 am. Please ensure you observe start times, for the benefit of the group.

I will drive to the Makarion Stadium Parking Lot and have 5 additional seats in my car.

N.B. If you are joining us from near Nicosia, please meet at the Nicosia meeting point, and come prepared to drive, offering a lift to members who do not have a car. Those getting the lift please be kind enough to share the cost of the fuel.

Disclaimer: If you attend a UoL Hiker walk you do so entirely at your own risk. The UoL Hikers Club and the Cyprus Hikers are social clubs and neither the organizers nor the leader of the walk are responsible for the health and safety of those taking part.

I am looking forward seeing you on Sunday February 25!