THE ST PAUL TRAIL | Upcountry hiking guide

hiking guide

A brand new edition of the St Paul Trail guidebook, following the saint's journey from Perge, near Antalya, Turkey to Antioch in Pisidia. This book is the essential guide and map to Turkey's second long-distance walking route. St Paul Trail consists of about 500km of waymarked walking trail following Roman roads, village paths and medieval trails through the Toros mountains. The book is complemented by a map (included with the book), a website with updates to the trail (www.cultureroutesinturkey.com), an iphone app and downloadable GPS points.

The landscape of Turkey's Toros mountains and lake district contrasts and combines in a jumbled geography of forest, canyon and ridges; the byways resound in history; hospitality is a natural instinct in every home. This enticing combination will delight any walker on Turkey's second long-distance trekking and Cultural Route. The peaks, lakes and valleys on this route offer a different perspective on Turkey from the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines which draw so many tourists. Unlike the mountains of Eastern Turkey - the fabulous Kackar and the Aladaglar which attract adrenaline-fuelled adventure seekers during a short trekking season - the Toros mountains and lake district are easily accessible. Most importantly, the area has a visible, walkable history with some interesting challenges thrown in. St Paul's travels in the area provided the inspiration for this walking route.

Turkey now has 15 long-distance routes for walkers, through a variety of terrain, and welcomes both day walkers and long-distance hikers. Both independent walkers and those walking with a group or agency will find the background information in this book adds to the enjoyment of their holiday.