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Plakias => Where to go => Topic started by: harribobs on March 02, 2005, 09:27:15 AM

Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 02, 2005, 09:27:15 AM
We have Lance Chilton's books for the Plakias areas already and have used the Harms Crete maps previously, but as the latter is falling apart...

has anyone any suggestions for a good map with enough detail for walking for the area?

thanks
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on March 02, 2005, 11:58:55 AM
Quote
We have Lance Chilton's books for the Plakias areas already and have used the Harms Crete maps previously, but as the latter is falling apart...

has anyone any suggestions for a good map with enough detail for walking for the area?

thanks
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] ([url]http://index.php?[/url]act=findpost&pid=2886\")

The supermarkets sell a map with the title 'Damnoni Area' - it is virtually identical to the Plakias Walker's Map but at 2.90 euro, significantly cheaper. Also, check out this link - detailed descriptions of various walks. Some, we tried last year.
[a href=\"http://www.peter-thomson.co.uk/crete/Where_to_start_walking_or_cycling_Plakias.html]Plakias Walks[/url]
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 02, 2005, 02:04:45 PM
Can anyone advise whether "Ten Walks in the Plakias Area" by Lance Chilton is a worthwhile book for walks in the area? Are they easy or arduous, or a mixture?

I notice that he also does books on walks in other Greek areas that I frequent, namely Lesvos and Samos.

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 02, 2005, 09:27:32 PM
Quote
Can anyone advise whether "Ten Walks in the Plakias Area" by Lance Chilton is a worthwhile book for walks in the area? Are they easy or arduous, or a mixture?

I notice that he also does books on walks in other Greek areas that I frequent, namely Lesvos and Samos.

Mike
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we've used both the '10 walks' and bits of '7 more' I think they are quite good as well.
they vary in intensity, walking to lefkoyia is pretty easy but i wouldn't say the same of the walk up timos stavros
for the price, they are good value

Quote
The supermarkets sell a map with the title 'Damnoni Area' - it is virtually identical to the Plakias Walker's Map but at 2.90 euro, significantly cheaper. Also, check out this link - detailed descriptions of various walks. Some, we tried last year

Thanks for the link, i'd forgotten about peter thomson, and i'll look out for the damnoni map as well
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 03, 2005, 03:01:44 PM
Quote from: harribobs,Mar 2 2005, 09:27 PM

we've used both the '10 walks' and bits of '7 more' I think they are quite good as well.
they vary in intensity, walking to lefkoyia is pretty easy but i wouldn't say the same of the walk up timos stavros
for the price, they are good value

I know it sounds a silly question, Harribobs, but is the "10 walks" book quite small and light? I'm always right on the weight limit and already take up a significant amount of this with reading matter. I was interested to see some Plakias walks on Peter Thomson's website.

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 03, 2005, 04:06:35 PM
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I know it sounds a silly question, Harribobs, but is the "10 walks" book quite small and light? I'm always right on the weight limit and already take up a significant amount of this with reading matter. I was interested to see some Plakias walks on Peter Thomson's website.

Mike
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not a silly question at all, we always seem to be over the limit ( but have only been pulled once for it

it's a thin A5 soft back, very light indeed, i'm pretty sure you can buy it in the supermarket on the main road, if you wanted to take that chance, but for the weight involved, it's not worth not taking
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on March 03, 2005, 06:08:14 PM
Quote
Quote
I know it sounds a silly question, Harribobs, but is the "10 walks" book quite small and light? I'm always right on the weight limit and already take up a significant amount of this with reading matter. I was interested to see some Plakias walks on Peter Thomson's website.

Mike
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2892\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

not a silly question at all, we always seem to be over the limit ( but have only been pulled once for it

it's a thin A5 soft back, very light indeed, i'm pretty sure you can buy it in the supermarket on the main road, if you wanted to take that chance, but for the weight involved, it's not worth not taking
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2893\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
It has been in the supermarket for the last 3 years so I'm sure it will be there again. Personally, I thought it was overpriced (it is very thin). Also, from memory, some of the walks were definitely beyond anything we would want to tackle on a 'holiday'. Printing off a few pages from Peter Thomson's site was all we needed
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 04, 2005, 10:50:52 AM
quote Graham and Karen
"It has been in the supermarket for the last 3 years so I'm sure it will be there again. Personally, I thought it was overpriced (it is very thin). Also, from memory, some of the walks were definitely beyond anything we would want to tackle on a 'holiday'. Printing off a few pages from Peter Thomson's site was all we needed"
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Thanks both Harribobs and Graham and Karen. Whereas I might want to do a few strenuous walks (I did some in Kambos, Samos in 2003- very enjoyable) my partner Diane is into leisurely ones.

I have also photocopied the 4 Plakias walks from Peter Thomson's website (hope I haven't enfringed copyright).

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 04, 2005, 12:00:46 PM
Quote
It has been in the supermarket for the last 3 years so I'm sure it will be there again. Personally, I thought it was overpriced (it is very thin). Also, from memory, some of the walks were definitely beyond anything we would want to tackle on a 'holiday'. Printing off a few pages from Peter Thomson's site was all we needed
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2896\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

i think i paid about £3.50 for my copy, about the cost of a round. I'm happy with that

it all depends on what you find fun i suppose, we have found that we spend less and less time on the beach these days and prefer the hills. Last september we were in the east of the island and only spent one day out of fourteen sunbathing

it would be boring if we all liked the same thing

Quote
I have also photocopied the 4 Plakias walks from Peter Thomson's website (hope I haven't enfringed copyright).

you won't be the first!!!  i'm sure you find the right walks
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 05, 2005, 10:03:51 AM
For those interested in Lance Chilton's books, Amazon sells the "10 walks" for £7.50 and "7 more challenging walks" for £5. Marengo Publications sells both of these plus an A2 map for £10. The Marengo prices include postage, the Amazon ones charge for postage unless the total order is over £19.

For those interested in Marengo press here. (http://www.marengowalks.com/Walk_bks.html)

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 13, 2005, 11:53:46 PM
it's a shame you can't copy them and send them to people because of the copyright laws  
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 21, 2005, 01:32:20 PM
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It has been in the supermarket for the last 3 years so I'm sure it will be there again. Personally, I thought it was overpriced (it is very thin).
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2896\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have now bought the two Plakias books and the Lesvos one and my first impression too was that they were a bit pricey. However, they don't have the economy of scale of mass produced books and on reading them there is enough in them for several holidays, unless you devote a 2 or 3 week holiday entirely to walking! Also they include a decent map (Plakias and north Lesvos).

It is true that some of the walks look strenuous and would not suit the heat of summer.

On that basis they seem reasonable value. I'll reserve final judgement until I have used them and see how easy to follow they are.

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 29, 2005, 04:28:04 PM
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It is true that some of the walks look strenuous and would not suit the heat of summer.

On that basis they seem reasonable value. I'll reserve final judgement until I have used them and see how easy to follow they are.

Mike
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You'd be surprised how fast you get used to walking in the heat, plenty of water is very very important

So we'll be seeing you up Timos Stavros then eh Mike?
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 30, 2005, 02:03:21 PM
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So we'll be seeing you up Timos Stavros then eh Mike?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2974\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Not sure where that is, but if it is the 4000+ ft mountain looking down on Plakias then it is unlikely.     If there was a group of experienced climbers going and my arthritic knee was having a good day, then maybe.  

That said, the walks are usually one of the best parts of a Greek holiday, along with drinks on the balcony, taverna meals, beach, etc.

Having studied Lance Chilton's books he must have spent hours researching them. Hope the maps are accurate.

Does anyone else have problems on Greek walks with dogs? Lance gives good advice (i.e. a strong stick or a stone carefully aimed). Has anyone used a dog dazer (electronic device for discouraging aggressive dogs)?

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: John R on March 30, 2005, 06:05:41 PM
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So we'll be seeing you up Timos Stavros then eh Mike?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2974\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Not sure where that is, but if it is the 4000+ ft mountain looking down on Plakias then it is unlikely.  
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2982\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

No - it's that tiny pyramidical pimple with Church on top which we stroll up every year. Makes for a pleasent pre-lunch stroll.

John R
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on March 31, 2005, 01:29:31 PM
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No - it's that tiny pyramidical pimple with Church on top which we stroll up every year. Makes for a pleasent pre-lunch stroll.

John R
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I've now found it on the map and it looks like a decent walk, as you say John. Lance Chilton's book describes several walks along what appear to be watercourses or aqueducts which seemingly have the advantage of being approximately level, so cutting out a lot of the undulations. Has anyone any experience of these?

Mike
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Graham_and_Karen on March 31, 2005, 06:49:56 PM
Last year we walked along the side of the irrigation channel to Lefkoya. Easy walking and very pleasant to be close to running water during the height of the day - not tempted to drink it though! Also, the walk up to Myrthios can be made easier by following the same water duct - takes trhe sting out of the last 100m (height)
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on March 31, 2005, 11:15:23 PM
Quote
I've now found it on the map and it looks like a decent walk, as you say John. Lance Chilton's book describes several walks along what appear to be watercourses or aqueducts which seemingly have the advantage of being approximately level, so cutting out a lot of the undulations. Has anyone any experience of these?

Mike
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remember quite often these will run down the side of hills as well!  

here's Timos Stravos  (from Shinaria)
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: compage on April 05, 2005, 08:08:25 PM
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Quote
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So we'll be seeing you up Timos Stavros then eh Mike?
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] ([url]http://index.php?[/url]act=findpost&pid=2974\")


Not sure where that is, but if it is the 4000+ ft mountain looking down on Plakias then it is unlikely.  
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2982\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


No - it's that tiny pyramidical pimple with Church on top which we stroll up every year. Makes for a pleasent pre-lunch stroll.

John R
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I think it's the one I call 'tit hill'.
Is [a href=\"http://www.compage.com/plakias/2003/03sep/images/PlakiasMeltemiTitHill030912-887_jpg.jpg]this[/url] the one John?
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: John R on April 05, 2005, 08:22:51 PM
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[/quote]

I think it's the one I call 'tit hill'.
Is [a href=\"http://www.compage.com/plakias/images/PlakiasMeltemiTitHill030912-887_jpg.jpg]this (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=2985\") the one John?
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[/quote]

That's the one - well named sir

John R
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on April 10, 2005, 12:27:26 AM
or this one, taken from the Ostraco i think
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: John R on April 10, 2005, 11:37:12 AM
The view of Plakias from the top :-


[attachment=95:attachment]
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Barny on April 10, 2005, 01:55:13 PM
Hi all, So this "tit mountain"  as i have always called it, how long would it take us two inexperienced walkers to get there?
Can we go to Shinaria on bike and start from there?
Or is there a nearer starting place?
We have Lances book here but wonder how easy or not it really is!
And how many Mythos would i need to take with me?!!!!!  

                                   Barny.
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: John R on April 10, 2005, 03:55:17 PM
Quote
Hi all, So this "tit mountain"  as i have always called it, how long would it take us two inexperienced walkers to get there?
Can we go to Shinaria on bike and start from there?
Or is there a nearer starting place?
We have Lances book here but wonder how easy or not it really is!
And how many Mythos would i need to take with me?!!!!! 

                                   Barny.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=3013\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

We started from Lefkogia - Shinaria looks on map to be about the same distance. We set off after breakfast - not particularly early - must have been 9:30am or so spent quite a bit of time at the top and got back down to Lefkogia in time for lunch at the taverna there - a good reason for starting from Lefkogia.
We would put it in the category of an easy stroll - (we are in our 60's)

It is a good track zig zagging up - on our first time a car could have gone most of the way up but last year it had deteriorated somewhat. We went at the end of September - still hot and sunny but perhaps not as hot as mid season. Good shade and seating available at the top. Would be a good idea to take plenty to drink - perhaps water up and Mythos on return ?

We class it as an excellent walk - not very difficult and very good value for effort.

Bear in mind we were born and bred in the Lake District.

John R
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on April 11, 2005, 11:23:31 AM
excellent picture from the top John!

if I may add my 2d, if you start from shinaria, there's a fair uphill walk before starting on the hill it's self, lefkogia is a better start point

barny, take note of John's comment
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Bear in mind we were born and bred in the Lake District.
     

chris
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on May 25, 2005, 02:56:57 PM
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So we'll be seeing you up Timos Stavros then eh Mike?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2974\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Yes I did it, Harribobs. Walked from Plakias, but it would have been easier to get the bus to Lefkogia first. Excellent walk. Was disappointed there was a group of noisy foreign tourists at the top(I won't mention where they were from as you can guess and I don't want to upset anyone), but they soon left. I made sure they saw I had a cool Mythos with me to enjoy (they didn't!).

Can recommend the Lance Chilton books now from personal use. Instructions mostly very good. You need to be fit for many, especially if you want to make the fastest of his timings (certainly if you are 59).

Mike.
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: harribobs on June 01, 2005, 01:12:40 PM
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Yes I did it, Harribobs. Walked from Plakias, but it would have been easier to get the bus to Lefkogia first. Excellent walk. Was disappointed there was a group of noisy foreign tourists at the top(I won't mention where they were from as you can guess and I don't want to upset anyone), but they soon left. I made sure they saw I had a cool Mythos with me to enjoy (they didn't!).

Can recommend the Lance Chilton books now from personal use. Instructions mostly very good. You need to be fit for many, especially if you want to make the fastest of his timings (certainly if you are 59).

Mike.
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It's a cracking walk, we were lucky and were on our own at the top, so we could really appreciate the views in tranquility.... well until Mandy felt compelled to ring the bell  

Chilton states you can go down from the top to Gianiou but i could only find one path down (to lefkogia) maybe thats was me being dozy though
Title: Walking Maps
Post by: Mike G on June 03, 2005, 01:09:00 PM
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It's a cracking walk, we were lucky and were on our own at the top, so we could really appreciate the views in tranquility.... well until Mandy felt compelled to ring the bell 
Yes, I must confess I couldn't resist the tempatation either.

Mike