TERMS & CONDITIONS & GUIDANCE FOR PARTICIPANTS ON ‘ANDROS ROUTES’ HIKES

Walking was the main mode of travel in past times for the people of Andros but nowadays most walking is done for recreation and exercise. The non profit organization ‘Andros Research Center” has initiated the project ‘Andros Routes’ for the restoration and mapping of old paths on Andros and organises walks which are combined with care and maintenance of those paths. Duration of the walks is between two and six hours mainly on country routes, visiting points of interest and often passing though villages and towns.

Terms of participation

Taking part in walks organised by ‘Andros Routes’ implies acceptance of the following terms:

  1. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Younger persons and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 18.
  2. Those taking part in the walks are responsible for their own safety as well as that of the children in their charge, and they accept:
  • the dangers involved in walking and in particular hill walking
  • responsibility for their own safety
  • they relinquish any claim against the ‘Andros Routes’ volunteers.

The non profit organization ‘Andros Research Center” does not accept any responsibility for those participating in walks.

Degree of difficulty of routes

‘Andros Routes’ walks are categorised in accordance with the European accreditation system as follows:

Easy (yellow sign): level or with easy gradients, suitable for inexperienced walkers.

Medium (blue sign): hilly route, possibly narrow with significant gradient. It requires basic trekking skills and good fitness.

Difficult (red sign): Mountain route with narrow sections and steep gradients. Rocky sections may require scrambling ability. There is danger of falling. Suitable only for physically fit and experienced walkers.

Rules of conduct for safety during the walks

Participants:

  • must not overtake the leader
  • must not leave large gaps in front of them and lose visual contact with the rest of the group
  • must not turn the walk into a race, they must maintain a steady pace
  • should follow the route without detours
  • if unsure about their own ability should place themselves near the front of the group where the pace is more even
  • must cooperate with the leader so that progress is unhindered, pleasant and safe.
  • must not pick flowers and plants and damage the environment
  • must not leave rubbish (and cigarette ends)
  • must leave gates as they find them, either closed or open
  • must take care of children and make sure they are safe and have a pleasant time
  • must never light a fire
  • if they need a ‘toilet’ they must go 10m away from the group, behind bushes and 50m from water springs
  • must not overestimate their ability.

Personal safety and comfort

It is necessary for walkers to have with them a back pack to carry clothes, food and drink, maps etc

Hat and sun glasses

A hat offers protection from the sun and the cold. As many paths pass under trees there is danger of head injuries and scratches. A hat can minimise that danger. Sun glasses are necessary in order to protect the eyes against the Mediterranean sun.

Clothing

Clothes must be comfortable and suitable for the weather so as not to lead to overheating or feeling cold. A waterproof jacket is recommended in wet weather.

Footwear

Correct choice of footwear is most important for a comfortable and safe walk. Trainers are light and suitable for easy routes whereas a good pair of walking boots is a better choice in mountain terrain and bad weather.

The walk organiser may refuse to allow a person to join in if clothing and footwear are deemed to be unsuitable for the conditions.

Food, water

It is necessary, particularly in long walks, to carry food and water (not in a glass bottle). Usually there is a scheduled stop halfway, often by one of the many springs of Andros, for a rest, food and drink