Completion of the Pindus Trail Day Section: Athanasios Diakos – Vardousia mt Refuge - Artotina
With the completion of the works on the Vardousia crossing day section, Pindus Trail takes another important step towards the restoration, promotion, and reconnection of the historic trails of the Pindus mountain range.
The approximately 18+kilometre route connects Athanasios Diakos with the Vardousia mountain shelters and Artotina, constituting the 6th and final day section of the officially approved hiking route from Delphi to Artotina.
This achievement is the result of a long-term effort based on systematic work, volunteer contribution, knowledge, and collaboration among people and organisations who believe in the value of trails as an integral part of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
The contribution of the Points of Support programme has been particularly important. The programme is implemented with the support of the Costas M. Lemos Foundation, wich is co-funded by ten (10) charitable organizations the framework the completion. This support contributed to the preparation of informational material, the creation and installation of directional and location signage, as well as trail improvement works and the completion of the marking system.
Our warmest thanks go to Anthrax Machines for its longstanding support and contribution in the field of outdoor and sports apparel, actively supporting the activities and field missions of Pindus Trail. Our collaboration with Anthrax Machines forms part of a lasting relationship of support for the effort to create, restore, and promote the trail.
Special recognition is also due to the people and local businesses who supported our activities by providing products and helping meet the nutritional needs of the field teams:
From Athanasios Diakos:
• Meterizia
• Ravanis
• Athovoli
From Artotina:
• The Trivilos family store
The involvement of local businesses is of particular significance. Their support goes beyond meeting the practical needs of the teams working in the mountains; it represents a meaningful contribution of the local community to the effort to promote the region and preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteer groups from the Wheeling2Help association and individual volunteers who took part in the trail restoration, improvement of accessibility, and marking activities. Over the past years, hundreds of people from Greece and abroad have contributed to this effort, demonstrating in practice that volunteering, when combined with knowledge, commitment, and responsibility, can play a decisive role in preserving and promoting these trails.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Anevenontas Publications for the technical support they consistently and generously provide to our field team, as well as for creating the cartographic material that now adorns the squares of the two villages.
Pindus Trail continues.
With respect for the mountains, their history, and the people of the region, we continue working to ensure that the old trails, brought back to light after decades of neglect, remain alive and once again serve as routes of connection, discovery, and experience for the people who live in and visit the Pindus mountains.
Thank you to everyone who walked and worked on this beautiful path with us!
