The Fossil Forest and Çamkoru Highland of Çamlıdere

Northwest of Ankara lie the petrified trunks of trees buried under volcanic ash twenty million years ago. The Çamlıdere fossil forest is a geological site with few equivalents anywhere, and it is two hours from the city. The same road leads to the pine forests of Çamkoru, so half the trip is stone and half is green.

Getting there: take the Kızılcahamam road from Ankara and follow the turning to Çamlıdere, about two hours. There are minibuses to the town, but reaching the fossil site needs a car.

The day: spend the morning at the fossil area. The petrified trunks lie in open ground, some several metres long, with growth rings visible to the naked eye, and the visitor centre explains how they formed. Lunch can be taken by the Çamlıdere reservoir, calm and suited to a picnic. In the afternoon continue to Çamkoru, where the Scots pines form the densest forest in the province and the nature park has marked trails. Wildlife is plentiful and quiet walkers often see roe deer.

Eating: there are gözleme and village breakfast places in Çamlıdere town, but few businesses on the highland, so carry food. The mineral water of the region is well known.

Tips: collecting samples at the fossil site is forbidden, as every piece matters in place. Highland roads can close under snow, so check conditions before setting out.