St. Paul Trail | Trekking and Climbing

Second only to the Lycian Way in terms of length, the St Paul Trail is a walk which will challenge without overwhelming. Part of the thinking behind the project was to follow the route St Paul took on his first missionary journey through Asia Minor, spreading the message of Christianity.

Those interested in navigating the trail will be pleased to know that this is another of Kate Clow's creations, who marked out the whole way with the help of accomplice Terry Richardson - a task undertaken after the marking of the epic Lycian Way. Trekkers are advised that no signposts have yet been erected on the route for lack of sponsorship, but this hasn't stopped many guidebook-equipped holidaymakers from enjoying a hitch-free trip.

The 480 kilometre trail is much more of a rural path than the Lycian Way, with the option of summiting two peaks at a height of approximately 2,800 feet. There are two optional starting points. At Perge - also the starting point of the Lycian Way - or Aspendos, which both lie near Antalya. Hikers finish up at Antioch near Pisidia, a region dominated by the Taurus mountains.

Memorable points of the walk for most are likely to be Aspendos' Roman theatre, the Roman bridge and rapids at Koprulu Canyon, Yazili Canyon's inscriptions and waterfalls and the isolated ruins at Adada.

Situated on the Pamphylian plain near the village of Belkis, Aspendos' Roman theatre remains one of the most intact in the region. It could house from 10,000 to 20,000 spectators in its heyday and was restored by the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, after he paid a visit to the site.

Before meeting Aspendos at the coast, the route goes round the Egirdir Lake. It is possible to cross the lake by boat and even stay on an island in the middle.

About 40 kilometres on from Egirdir are the ruins at Adada, which date back to the Hellenistic period, where a church, temples and theatre can be seen.

The Koprulu Canyon section of the walk can be taken in either of two different branches, the eastern branch being harder that that of the west. Hikers should not be stuck for a meal while making their way through the Koprulu Canyon National Park, with numerous fish restaurants situated in the rest areas along the way.

Those navigating the Yazili Canyon section of the walk will come across one of the most challenging but potentially enjoyable sections of the St Paul Trail. The amazing views and variety of attractive wild flowers on this part of the route will cancel out any aching thighs. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, pig, wild goat, fox, badger, sable, rabbit, squirrel, eagle, red vulture, falcon, pigeon, stock dove, and partridge also populate the area, providing the solo trekker with some company.

Taking into account the high peaks along the St Paul Trail, it is advised that mid-June to the end of October is the perfect time to make the journey as the peaks can be blustery and snow-covered come winter.