This spring will mark the opening of Turkey's first long distance footpath, the Lycian Way. Stretching for 500 kilometres between Fethiye and Antalya this route provides about a months walking (if you want it) through some of Turkey's most spectacular scenery. Lycia is an area steeped in history and with a rugged charm all of its own. The path can take you through a variety of landscapes right up to the 5000ft shoulder of Tahtali mountain. The coastal area itself has been subject to concentrated development and some resorts are full to saturation point in the summer. This path provides a way to escape the package holiday Turkey and take a look at the country that lies beyond the reach of the majority of tour operators.

The path hasn't just appeared. It's marking and mapping have been the result of the work of Kate Clow, a long time resident of Antalya and enthusiastic advocate of the joys of Lycian Turkey. She has persuaded sponsors to contribute to the marking out of the route and fought the good fight against the bureaucratic machine to legitimise the trail. I'll quote a little from her below.

The west coast, early in the year, is invigorating and incomparable - west winds freshen the air and wring every scrap of dust from your city lungs. The route winds along mule paths on steep hillsides overlooking the depths of the sea - turqoise in the shadows, indigo or deep green further out. Tiny gulets chug past far below, birds (or even paragliders) wheel far above. Cyclamen and other bulbs peep from dark corners; the scent of thyme fills the air. Villagers live a laid back life, farming honey and herbs, following the goats to pasture or working in the holiday villages of Fethiye.

The easiest thing to do if you're interested in walking this route is to contact Kate herself. She conducts organised tours if you don't fancy taking off on your own. One or two week treks depart from Fethiye or Antalya throughout the summer and have already started for this year. If you're in Turkey you could phone her for a brochure on

(0242) 243 1148

You can also email Kate. We're hoping to include some more details about the tours in the near future.

Read Kate's Press Release