The best way to get to Belgrade is by joining us. You get free transport, can stow the bags in our cars and get good company, running slow or fast, long or short. Only draw back: we normally go Sat or Sun, not every week, and leave at 8.00h (in the summer) from Arnavutköy.

Interested?

Jonathon, are you by any chance passing by Yeniköy on your ARM weekend treks to the forest?

Utabe - I do so let me know if you want to come along - not sure if many are running this weekend?

are you still doing this, or did it get too hot? maybe weekend walks could be nice! how can i get involved?

I have PM'd you.

Hey Jonathon,

I'd like to join your group on your weekend trails as well.
I'm hardly a runner though! More like brisk walker.

Anyways, for those interested in getting there, here's what I found online.

From: http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5110 (dated Feb 2006) Not sure if transport info is still valid.

"It has many entrances but I recommend the one at Bahçeköy which is closest to Neşet Suyu, where there is a 6km path/track around a lake. Here you can walk/run in the fresh air and then enjoy a snack at one of the little cafes near the start. The area is very busy at weekends in the summer for barbecues so I would recommend a visit in midweek or in the off peak seasons.

It is possible to explore further, but signposts tend to be Turkish only, which could be awkward! It costs 5 lira for a car to enter the forest or 1 lira for someone on foot.

Getting there is the problem!

The 42T bus from Taksim will take you to Bahçeköy and from there it is a very short walk to the entrance.
Alternatively a minibus from Beşiktaş towards Sariyer passes the Kilyos turning to Bahçeköy and people frequently pick up hitch hikers from this corner. (I must point out that this is not a good idea for women on their own).

Unfortunately from the entrance it is then a further 2 km to Neşet suyu which would tire out smaller children.

Ideally you need some sort of personal transport or a reliable taxi service to make the journey easier. A taxi from 4. Levent (the last stop on the metro from Taksim) will cost about 25 lira one-way (a tenner) which is very good for four people."

Just in case Jonathon doesn't reply, to qualify for his running group you will need to be able to do 250km at approx 35 km/h. He insists everyone runs wearing a hard hat.

a) I am not Jonathon but Jonathan
b) D Smpson is hardly the right person to comment on this. He is half my age but looks twice as old, smokes like a chimney and gets tired by looking at someone running. Apart from that he is allright, of course once you've learned to ignore most things he says.

Blush,

most weekends, around 8.30h on Saturday or Sunday we are meeting in the forest, leaving from Arnavutköy at 8.00h. I will invite you out if you wish. Generally all of us are running, but speed and distance varies a lot. As it is a round course, really everyone can do his/her own thing, allthough it is of course more fun to have good company.

I might set up a bacon sandwich stall half way round the torture circuit. So many yabancis in need of a healthy snack would be good business. I will also sell peanut butter ricepasta for those that prefer it.

Ooh yes please do. Bacon butties rock!
How about a fried Mars bar stand? I'll be your 1st customer!