Roots Ramblers stepped out last Thursday for a weekly social trek to Inçirli Cave, named for the fig tree at the mouth of the geological treasure 2km north-east of Çınarlı village.
The two-chamber cave is over 80 metres long and contains limestone deposits in the form of stalactites, stalagmites and “cauliflower shaped” formation.
A group of 24 and four dogs met up at Tatlısu’s Roots Bar at 1pm for the more than two-hour walk.
Organiser Tina Luckhurst said: “I love this walk, which we completed for the second time.
“Anyone wishing to visit should call the local gatekeeper in the village.”
She added that the group had weighed the weather last Tuesday for this week’s ramble, and would probably opt for a coastal walk as heavy rain forecast for Wednesday could make higher routes treacherous.
Last week’s 9.2km route included a visit to a “monumental tree”, a Calabrian pine more than 300 years old which is listed by the TRNC Forestry Department.
Known locally as a “wishing tree”, tradition has it that childless women may become fertile by visiting the tree to pray and tie ribbons to its branches.
Mrs Luckhurst said: “I shall have to tell the tree ladies who made their wishes!”
The group visited a local primary school on Wednesday to distribute new trainers to local children, paid for by sponsors of their Castle to Castle Challenge three day ridge hike in October.
Funds raised will also be used to help clear trails and maintain signage.
The Roots Ramblers club was founded in 2012 and now has about 170 members.
Walkers may join Thursday rambles, which start at 1pm from Roots Bar, by phoning 0533 877 6823.
