The “Mantra tou Kampiou” picnic area, that is found on the limits of the National Forest park of Machairas, is another proof that the Department of Forests of Cyprus, is an active and creative organism.
Five kilometres from the Kapedes village, on the road going to the Panagia tou Machaira (Our Lady of Machairas) Monastery, in an environment with pines and cedars, they created a picnic area that is so beautiful and functional, that provides the visitors, locals and not, with all the facilities for a long term and creative stay.
The picnic area “spreads” on both sides of the road, with its sheltered grill areas, and gives the visitors the opportunity to make their own barbecue with total safety of themselves as well as that of the forest. There are so many of them that none of the 1600 visitors - that is the capacity of the area - will face any difficulties in preparing their own food.
Wooden benches with seats are at your disposal at all of the area’s altitudes. Each one fits 14-16 seated people.
There is potable water at various places, as well as sanitaries.
The Department of Forests’s sensibility for our fellow human beings that have limited accessibilities due to them being on a wheelchair, is obvious. This can be seen from the equipment put in place for the creation of the place itself, providing it with appropriate accesses, to the benches as well as the water taps and the relative toilets.
From the entrance point of the picnic area, coming from Kapedes, the circular path of observation of nature called the “Monopati Mantra tou Kampiou - Throumpiari” begins. It takes you to the Machaira forest, and after one and a half kilometres it takes you back to the picnic area. It is a path that can be easily walked by a whole family.
The Department of Forests classifies it as accessible to people on wheelchairs. It is possible that during the year of its inauguration, it was accessible for people on wheelchairs, but today it is not. At some points it has been transformed to a ragged path, and rains have opened up grooves in it. Basically, we are sure that the Department will fix this upon their visit in the summer. In that same area, you will find the end of another path called “Kakokefalos - Mantra tou Kampiou”. This path has its start a little lower than the Kionia peak and covers a journey of 5.5 kilometres, you need to pay attention to it. It is one of the most difficult paths of observation of nature that exist in Cyprus. Some parts of it pass through vertical cliffs and others ascend infinite slopes.
If you are planning to dare walk along it, do not start from the picnic area because you will have to climb a very high and very steep mountain, such as Kionia. It is better that you walk towards the Monastery, at 500 metres before you take the road to Kionia. You will find the starting point a kilometre away from the Kionia picnic area. From there on, you will have a great view and you will see the Mesaoria plain panoramically.
Do not allow your children to follow you. Kakokefalos is tough and to complete the journey you will need 3 hours. Do not forget that Kakokefalos is linear and you will not find any help on your way. Before you start the journey, equip yourself with all the necessary things, and of course water.
