Following months Of wrangling with bureaucracy the Waymarking of the Lycian way, an innovative 480km route, has begun Following French Grande Randonnee standards, the blazing of this exciting new trail Is expected to take some 3 months, To coincide with the official opening of the the Lycian Way, the route's pioneer, Kate Clow, will be publishing a guide book containing many previously unavailable maps

The marked trail will allow casual and dedicated walkers alike the opportunity to explore Lycia's rocky coastline, high pastures, dramatic gorges cedar forests secluded beaches and ancient sites, Walkers following the route will be able to swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean where the path dips down to the sea, or strike out from the highest point at 1800 metres to climb the often snow covered peak of 2,366 metre Mt Olympus Walkers and trekkers who wish to walk sections Of the trail will be able to use comfortable bases such as the fishing/tourist village of Kalkan or the laid back beach resort of Cirali. Anybody who wishes to walk the entire route will have to camp or sleep under the stars on occasions, as some areas are sparsely inhabited although the unfailingly friendly villagers will often offer the wayfarer a bed and food.

Kate, a Briton who has lived in Turkey for ten years and has acquired both fluent Turkish and Turkish citizenship began her research into the route several years ago. Her passion for old roads and tracks ancient history rural life and mountains found a natural expression in Lycia, an area of south western Turkey which boasts arguably the mast beautiful stretch of coastline in the entire Mediterranean.

Despite encountering many obstacles of a topographical nature during her years of research, perhaps her biggest battle was with the bureaucrats Following her success in a prestigious national environmental competition organised by one of Turkey's leading banks, however, the importance of her route has been recognized Kate believes that only when the Turks realise the importance of their rural and natural heritage will anything be done to protect it, and the idea is that the kind of sympathetic visitors likely to be drawn to the Lycian way will boost the local economy without altering the traditional way of life of the region

The route can be walked at any time of year, although if tackled in midsummer the heat can be ferocious. Spring and autumn are the best times as the temperatures are pleasant for walking and the sea warm enough for swimming. Winter can also be excellent as days are often sunny and warm and snow covered peaks form an impressive backdrop. Prolonged spells of rain and sudden storms cannot be ruled out, however Hunting has decimated some species but wild boar are fairly common, porcupines, badgers and foxes can be seen and tortoises terrapins and lizards are ubiquitous The wildflower are stunning, especially in late Winter and Spring (depending on altitude) and many species of bird inhabit the varied terrain.

An experienced guide, Kate can take walkers who lack the experience or desire to do it alone over the most interesting and beautiful sections of the route. When the waymarking is completed and the book published walkers should have few problems doing it themselves, and perhaps even add their own variations to the route.

If you would like any further information about the route please phone or fax (01298) 71050 (UK) or email Turkey@upcountry.freeserve.co.uk. I hope that you will find this information of interest and I look forward to hearing from you.