Karagöl and the Aluçdağı Forests of Çubuk

An hour from Ankara, in the middle of forest, lies a small lake. Karagöl takes its name from the dark colour of the water, and the pine woods around it are a reminder of how little green the city has. The Aluçdağı area nearby has been known to walkers and cyclists in Ankara for years.

Getting there: head towards Çubuk and follow the signs to Karagöl, about an hour and a half. Buses reach Çubuk but leave you seven kilometres short, so a car is far more practical. The road is paved but narrow at the end.

The day: a walking path and picnic areas ring the lake, and the circuit takes an hour with no difficult stretches. The water level varies with the season and is highest in spring. Marked trails run through the surrounding pine forest, and heading towards Aluçdağı brings you over the ridge in about two hours to a point overlooking the Ankara plain. In autumn people come to gather mushrooms and hawthorn, the fruit that gives the district its name. On the way back, the old bazaar in Çubuk is worth a stop.

Eating: Çubuk pickles are the local product and best bought from the makers. There are barbecue areas by the lake but few businesses, so most people bring their own food.

Tips: parking fills at weekends, so leave early, and observe the fire rules in summer.