We could just give you an equipment list, but so much depends on where you want to walk and when, that we're not going to even try.

- TAKE THE LIGHTEST EQUIPMENT YOU CAN AFFORD
- IF IN DOUBT LEAVE IT AT HOME
- YOUR BOOTS AND SLEEPING BAGS ARE ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS.

If you really want an equipment list, see Jeff's site from the Links page. Below are the answers to the questions people e-mail us:

1. Should I use a GPS?
The St Paul Trail is not yet well-used and the waymarks are not well-tested. Waypoints are given in the book. If you are in doubt about your abilities to navigate, take and use a GPS. It could get you back on the trail when you've lost it; it could help you find water. But don't rely on it; be aware of your surroundings at all times. We have a partial list of waypoints for the Lycian Way; see the Maps and GPS Section.

2. I don't want to carry a tent. Is there enough accommodation?
In summer, on the Lycian Way you can sleep out on all except the mountain sections without a tent. From Fethiye to Pydnai, there is accommodation in village houses or pensions (pansiyon) every night; on some other sections there is accommodation most nights. The St Paul Trail has almost no accommodation, so you have to camp out nearly every night, unless a shepherd or villager offers you somewhere to stay. You really need a tent, even in summer. See Accommodation links on both trails.

3. Can I stay in village houses?
Yes. On the Lycian Way, many people are used to having foreigners to stay. On the St Paul route, it's a complete novelty. You may be invited to stay, or you can ask. We are trying to encourage villagers to offer accommodation and hope to have a sign for houses where you can stay. You will have to communicate by sign language. Remember your hosts may be quite shy, know very little about foreigners and are eager for some sign that you are happy with their attentions. Other families may visit to gaze at you. Remember! Rural families sleep early and rise early and often share a communal room. Play with the baby, show some pictures, let the kids explore your rucksack. Pay for your accommodation/food at the rate of about 10-15 MTL per person per night for bed/breakfast and more for an evening meal; add more for special services (lifts, laundry, extra food, etc). Some houses at the beginning of the Lycian Way have only water brought in by tanker. Don't expect showers.

4. How can I cook?
Camping Gaz blue cylinders that you pierce open are available at several gaz shops (blue signs) in Antalya, Fethiye and Egirdir. Meths (ispirto) for stoves is available at most small shops selling barbecue/kitchen equipment. Leadfree petrol for pump-up stoves is available from filling stations. You can light fires in many areas (use existing fireplaces). Take great care (especially in summer) and make sure that the fire is completely out when you leave - they can spread underground.

5. What about drinking water?
All villages have a source of clean water, either a spring and drinking trough or at the village mosque and school. There are plenty more public water sources on most trails - springs or wells. Reliable sources are marked on the maps (Lycian Way) or listed in the GPS points (St Paul Trail). You'll pass at least one source per day. BUT you may need a bucket/tin can and string to get water from wells. During/after the migration (June – end-October) you should purify well water with iodine or other tablets or by boiling. You may see insects in the water. Fill the bottle completely, let them rise to the surface and fish them out of the neck of the bottle. Mosquito larvae are merely protein! Some wells and springs dry up from August in dry summers; the south-west section of the Lycian Way is the driest.

6. Can I wear shorts?
No Turk is so bad-mannered to show any offence he/she may feel at your dress or undress. That doesn't mean that you should feel free to strip off. Village Turks are not used to seeing bare skin - that is arms above the elbow and legs above the knee. In particular, please, men, don't trek with a bare chest, and both men and women should avoid short and/or tight shorts. In a village you should be properly dressed at all times. If intending to stay, you should also take the first possible opportunity to wash your hands and feet.

7. Can I get alcohol?
Very few village stores or cafes sell beer or raki; none sell wine or any other alcohol. In general, rural Turks don't drink. Most small towns have a source of beer; you may have to ask. Established tourist areas such as the Koprulu Canyon rafting areas have beer but you may be overcharged. No-one will be offended by you drinking beer if you can find it!

8. How many days' food do I have to carry?
The most you are likely to have to carry is 3 days food on the highest and longest sections. Even there, if you meet shepherds, they will probably offer you food. Even if there is no shop in a village, you can knock on a door and ask for simple food like bread (yufka) and cheese (peynir). Pay for what you take.

9. Is dehydration a problem?
In summer, yes. Rest in the shade at midday, wear a hat, drink every time you find a source. Add dehydration salts (GE-Oral) to your water; you'll recover more easily.

10. Should I use poles?
Poles come into their own in winter snow and the bare terrain of the northern sections of the St Paul Trail. On many other sections of both routes they snag on low bushes and scrub.