Balabanağa Çiftliği Camping

Pack a picnic and set off to explore the shores of Yumurtacı Göleti lake (10 minutes’ drive), or have a hike in the conifer forests of Bezirgan Barajı nature reserve (25 minutes). Make a day of it with a long trek through the fir trees in Ilgaz Mountain National Park (an hour) where walkers can look out for elusive wolves and bears and expert climbers can have a shot at scaling one of the peaks. If you’re visiting in winter, ski gentle pine-lined slopes at Ilgaz Yurduntepe Kayak Merkezi ski centre (an hour and 10 minutes). For a taste of local heritage, marvel at the intricate 14th-century wood carvings on doors, ceilings and galleries at ornate Mahmut Bey Mosque in Kasaba (20 minutes). Head for historic Kastamonu (half an hour) to tour the ramparts of the mighty Byzantine castle atop its craggy cliff, and rest any weary feet over a glass of mint tea at a traditional courtyard café in the surrounding alleyways.