Waterfall and Hazelnuts in the Yağlıdere Valley

The interior of Giresun is less known than its coast, yet that is where the province's real production happens. The Yağlıdere valley is the typical example: hazelnut groves terraced into steep slopes and water falling through forest.

Getting there: forty five kilometres inland from the centre. The road is paved and follows the stream along the valley. There is public transport but it is infrequent; a car is easier.

The day: the path to the Çağlayan waterfall is short and easy, the sort families can manage. The falls are not tall but strong in flow, entirely surrounded by hazelnut groves. After rain the flow increases and the path becomes slippery at the same time. Along the valley there are stone and timber houses in the villages and old bridges over the stream. August is the hazelnut harvest and the slopes come alive; watching the picking is the most direct way to understand the region. The upper valley connects to Andoz castle, so the route can be extended.

Eating: black cabbage soup, corn bread and hazelnut products lead here. There are village breakfast places along the road.

Tips: the path is slippery on rainy days, so wear shoes with support. During the harvest the village roads are busy with tractors.