Walk & Eat Series: NORTH CYPRUS

1st edition (2010); updated 29/10/2011

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Updates given below supplement the information provided in the guidebook. It is vital that this Update is read in conjunction with the text of the book, but note that the Update applies only to the edition stated and not to any earlier editions. (If you have an older edition of this book and want to "upgrade" to the latest edition at half price, click here.)

Information has been forwarded to us by users of the book, and Sunflower Books offers the data in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate content in the Update. Unless indicated otherwise, what appears here has not been verified by the author or publisher, so please allow due caution when new or amended routes are suggested. Each piece of information is dated; bear in mind that some of the older observations may have since been overtaken by events or further changes. If, during your holiday, you are using the current edition of the guide and are able to provide any additional updating to add to this page, we will be pleased to hear from you. Please send information, preferably in hard copy, by post, to Sunflower Books, PO Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU (or if you prefer, by e-mail, to mail@sunflowerbooks.co.uk).

Excursion 1 page 36: There is no longer an unsurfaced bit to the road but the unmarked level changes are still there. (User, 5/10)

Excursion 4: The new road along the east coast from Girne (Kyrenia) is now open as far as Buyukkonak... There are still roadworks problems beyond Dek's Restaurant and a diversion in operation from Adacay. Check the current roadworks situation at the Tourist Office in the centre of Yeni Erenkoy... We have heard there is a TL 2 toll for the donkeys somewhere before Apostolas Andreas. Not sure if this is per person either. It's supposedly for feeding the donkeys!... Some boards have appeared which show waymarked paths & tracks, funded by Natura 2000. Some of these walks are fine, but be aware that some can be challenging to those less agile, suffer from vertigo or are not familiar with route finding. Although the routes are waymarked, there are instances where they can become obliterated, especially with foliage in spring. Do not proceed if unsure. (Authors, 5/11)

Walk 1: A new roadside cafe/restaurant, Sonmez, has opened between the petrol station and police station on the Guzelyurt road, on the right just before the left turn into Camlibel. This is almost immediately after turning right towards Guzelyurt by the petrol station after driving through Gecitkoy from Girne, at the top of the hill. Serves local fresh food. Very good and clean. Used to be in the centre of Camlibel. We've eaten there a few times. (Authors, 5/11)

Walk 2 Gecitkoy Reservoir: If the reservoir is full and it isn't possible to continue past the dam wall, as was the case this spring, follow the instructions below. Alternative starts are below, and this diversion will remain until the level of the reservoir has dropped and the small section of track, which is under water, dries up. The reservoir level has now dropped and the walk possible as in the book. (Authors 11/10.)

(1) Turn left 0.6 km from Gecitkoy mosque and park near the first track off left. Start the walk by heading down this track in the direction of Gecitkoy and crossing the stream, which runs from the dam and is drying up rapidly. As the track ends, follow a path which bends more to the right uphill to meet a track (this track can be seen from where your car is parked). On reaching this track, continue right to meet the original track which joins from the right at the 20min point into the walk. Stay ahead. The rest of the walk is fine for walking.

(2) Park near the last small building on the left in the village, just before the left turn onto the track to the reservoir. Go down the track, on the village side of the building, to cross the stream bed. Stay along this track as it rises above the dam then descends to meet the original track at the 20 min point. (see map p.56) (Authors, 5/10)

Hasan's restaurant in Gecitkoy is no longer run by Hasan. It is now run by Altan and Kristina who serve some delicious food, mainly locally sourced. We believe Hasan still comes in though to fire up the clay oven and prepare the Kup Kebab for weekend. New contact numbers:- Altan 0533 8730695 & Kristina 0542 8750636 (Authors, 5/10) The restaurant is not reliably open now. (Authors 11/10) + Aphrodite restaurant: for Cemal the telephone code has now changed to
0533 from 0542. The full number is 0533 8538792.

Walk 3. Alsancak - Ilgaz: The track from the Old Mill is less obvious due to stones washed down in the deluge. Keep to the left of the mill stream over a stone bank on the left. Continue round left and over the stream onto the more obvious track. (Authors, 5/10 + Two new restaurants: Green Valley. Open daily for drinks, lunch & dinner with an extensive menu and quiet location. Find it by following the sign to Mare Monte Hotel and ancient Lambousa. Turn right, seaward, off the main road after passing the Merit Hotel sign and left fork into Alsancak coming from Girne. Tel; 0533 874 20 13. Delta Café. Despite close proximity to the harbour, Delta is a relaxing spot for lunch with extensive views east along the coast. The food is good too! Handy for those with a hire car. Find it by heading east from the large central car park in Girne/Kyrenia. Pass the Post Office then Hospital, on the left. At the large roundabout, turn left down to the Commercial Harbour. Go through the gates and, keeping round to the left, continue to the inner dock gates. Delta is on the right here. Pass through the gates, turn right and park outside the café. (Author, 6/10) + On the map, Alsancak is misspelt Aslancak. Hoots Bar has a new telephone number 0392 8211029 (delete 0542 numbers) (Authors, 10/10) + Hoots, in Ilgaz, is open daily for lunch, except Monday. Tuesday night is a popular music night where you can bring your own instrument. Sunday lunch and evening meals, ring in advance on 0392 8211029. Sonia now has two en suite studio rooms to rent. Green Heights has opened its new traditional style restaurant, evenings only. English/Turkish breakfast and lunch are also served in their other restaurant by the pool, in small cafe and outside by the pool. (Authors, 5/11)

Walk 4. Karaman Circuit: The arched structure, mentioned on page 75 is on the LEFT. (Authors, 5.10)

Walk 5: Bellapais, new restaurant: Guthrie's Bistro Bar (Gardens of Irini) run by the delightful Deidre Guthrie is a haven of peace (Irini). A great place for a drink and/or light lunch. Find it from the start of the walk by turning left by ''Bitter Lemons House''. Stay ahead and, immediately after the road bends right, the entrance is on the left. Evening meals are also available by appointment only. Open 10.00 - 18.00 daily. Tel: 0392 815 28 20 Mob: 0533 865 82 62 (Authors, 6/10) Some new tarmac is causing confusion. From the paragraph starting "Descend to a T junction:" Descend to a weakly defined T junction (the track from the right is less obvious now) and turn left. Mandrakes and cyclamen flourish here in March. After 200m, at the next track junction, turn right to dip across the valley bottom to meet a narrow tarmac road and turn left uphill. Rise to a further junction and stay left uphill. (delete: at the top of the rise the track becomes tarmac). (Authors, 10/10)

Walk 6: An excellent book with clearly described walks. But the height gain on the circuit is more like 210m/700ft (- but the 'moderate' grading seems about right.) (User, 10/11)

Walk 7 : If returning via Esentepe, there is now a new roundabout on entering the village from the south (mountains). To reach the two restaurants mentioned, take the last exit left off the roundabout, which was once
once where the main road swung right to head into the village. (Authors, 5/10) + We would like to recommend the inclusion of "Remzi's" in Esentepe in any next edition.. We had a superb typical cypriot lunch prior to the walk - 20TL - which included both hot and cold meze and fruit for dessert. The restaurant is run by Remzi and his wife who make you very welcome. On the upper floor of the 2 storey building there are breathtaking views across to Kyrenia and St Hilarion Castle. Remzi's is in the village centre near the mosque and directly opposite the statue of Ataturk. It is up steep external stairs. (User, 6/10)

Walk 8. There was a different custodian at Antiphonitis when we went in Oct. and he wasn't serving refreshments. Will update further when we can find out if this custodian has replaced the earlier one. (Authors ,11/10)