What is Hiking?

Hiking is the term used for long walks, usually on trails in nature, while shorter walking (and distance) walks, usually within cities/residential areas, are considered simply walking.

In Greece there is an extensive network of hiking trails and the majority of them are relatively well maintained. Many, however, are neither officially registered, nor are they well marked, nor are they regularly maintained. The trails are usually dirt, and sometimes old cobblestones or passageways.

In general, hiking is considered when walking more than 5km in the open, otherwise it is simply walking.

According to pezoporia.gr, hiking is divided into three categories:

• Hiking
• Mountain hiking
• Climbing

The term climbing or mountaineering is a general term for mountain activities but in the categories of hiking it indicates the most difficult form of mountain hiking.

Hiking:

With a minimum distance of 5km (or about one to two hours), it is made on very sloping terrain with no significant elevation difference, with light equipment preferably consisting of hiking boots, light conventional clothing depending on the season and a small backpack where you can have some water and a nutritious snack. It is the kind of hiking that is accessible to everyone as long as it is good for their health. Simple hiking can be done wherever there is a suitable environment in a forest, a mountain on an island, by the sea, etc.

Mountain hiking:

Here, the 15-20km and 5-8hours are the norm, but the kilometers compared to the hours lose some value because the terrain is mountainous and can be difficult to walk, thus the progress made is a few kilometers per hour. Statistically it has been found that the average hourly speed is 3-4 km/h (ie 15 minutes per km on terrain with no steep or demanding terrain or about twice as much if there is a steep slant or demanding terrain).

Mountain hiking can be done on any mountain. The main features of mountain hiking are the altitude difference of the route and the fact that the route is usually at higher altitudes. It is noted that running a course especially at altitudes above 1000m can be extremely difficult during the winter due to bad weather.

The equipment is specialized and especially in the winter season it should be appropriate. Good hiking boots and a good backpack form the basis of the equipment, while proper dressing and food/water forecasting are essential supplements to the course.

Climbing:

The usual goal of mountaineering is to conquer a peak. In mountaineering distance does not play an essential role, but it has been observed that on average they travel 2-3 km/h. More importantly, about 300 meters of altitude difference are covered per hour which means that 1000 meters of climbing takes about 4 hours with stops. A normal climb takes 7-10 hours with the return.

Equipment especially in winter must be complete and is often supplemented with crampons (nail bits placed under the ice-walking shoes) and piolet (special pointed hiking sticks for safety in frosty snow). A good backpack and special mountaineering clothes and shoes complement the equipment.

Climbers must be perfectly healthy and have gone through the two previous stages of hiking. Experience and long-term involvement in mountaineering are important.

Hiking is the basis for many other sports activities and is widely recommended as a form of physical activity. The ability to walk long distances without getting tired (this ability is gradually acquired through practice) also helps to enjoy other activities such as sightseeing, bird watching, hunting and even sightseeing.

GRADES OF DIFFICULTY:

Given that both experienced and beginners are involved in Attend’s adventures, we list below the difficulty levels as some people first come into contact with hiking with Attend.

While there is a standard for hiking difficulty in Greece (see below), which is also used by Attend, we believe that beginners’ adaptation difficulty levels for Attend, as described below, can help beginners who would like to participate, understand more objectively whether a particular adventure is suitable for them:

Walk – A relaxed getaway in nature, suitable for everyone, even beginners and children ride.

EASY – Suitable for beginners.

MODERATE – Suitable for beginners with good fitness.

DEMANDING – Suitable for beginners with a VERY GOOD physical condition, who are regularly exercising or exercising on a regular basis – unsuitable for people who have just started hiking and are not exercising very regularly.

DIFFICULT – Unsuitable for beginners. VERY good fitness and previous hiking experience of the “Demanding” level is required.

VERY DIFFICULT – Unsuitable for beginners. VERY GOOD physical condition is required as well as previous experience of the levels “Demanding”  and “Difficult” is required.

Attend

email: welcome@attend.com.gr

tel: +302108102032