IN THE LAND OF YELLOW WATER-LILIES AND GREY ERRATIC BOULDERS

Trail presentation

The 155 km trail is ideal for enthusiasts of traditional Belarusian ethnography and folklore. Those interested in active recreation will enjoy cycling routes, local environmental education walking trails, and the opportunity for boating. The main backbone trail is a circular route running through Lepel – Barsuki – Latygalichi – Krasnoluki – Volosovichi – Lepel. Rest stops along the cycle route are linked to natural, historical and cultural attractions. Some of them are associated with opportunities to experience traditional folklore initiatives. The trail’s name: 'In the Land of Yellow Water-lilies and Grey Erratic Boulders' refers to the history and nature of the Lepel Region. Ancient Balt people called their villages 'Lepels' or 'Yellow Water-lilies' in recognition of the natural beauty of the area. The greenway introduces visitors to outstanding natural sites and habitats.The greenway’s logo, created by a local artist Galina Zhuravleva, symbolizes how natural resources of the Lepel Region contribute to sustainable tourism.

Main tourist attractions and towns along this trail (nature and cultural heritage)

• Ancient Balt settlements dating from the 1st – 4th centuries on Lepel Lake Island near Old Lepel village;
• Stone crosses in Old Lepel village;
• 'Happiness tree' and grey heron nests near Okono Village;
• Polsvizh – Old Ljadno – Lukshino Local Trail;
• Todulino Village;
• Boulders used for religious purposes in pre-Christian times, a cemetery from the middle ages and a 19^th century brewery in Volosovichi Village and Taronkovichi Village;
• 'Snake Rock' in Gogolevka Village.

Old Belarusian domestic items in Old Lepel Village

Visit a local collector's exhibition of old Belarusian domestic items and a private museum presenting everyday life of Lepel inhabitants from the late 19^th century and early 20^th century.

'Akanitsa' in Okono Village

Experience traditional songs performed by the 'Akanitsa' folklore group.

'Tereska’s marriage' in Anoshki Village

Traditional Christmas game called 'Tereska’s marriage' with guests and villagers.

'Lukshyna'

Visit the historic Belarusian 'Lukshyna' farm, which is being adapted for tourism purposes.

General characteristic of the Greenway

Main backbone (circular 155 km trail) running from Lepel – Old Lepel – Selishche – Okono – Barsuki – Yushki – Vily – Anoshki – Zamoshje – Good Water – Lotygalichi – Krasnoluki – Gogolevka – Volosovichi – Polsvizh – Lepel. Cycle trail is signposted in green.

Water Trail along the Essa river (approx. 20 km) – signposted in blue.

Local loops:

• Ancient Balt settlements dating from the 1^st – 4th centuries on Lepel Lake Island near Old Lepel village;
• Stone crosses in Old Lepel village;
• 'Happiness tree' and grey heron nests near Okono Village;
• Polsvizh – Old Ljadno – Lukshino Local Trail;
• Todulino Village;
• Boulders used for religious purposes in pre-Christian times, a cemetery from the middle ages and a 19^th century brewery in Volosovichi Village and Taronkovichi Village;
• 'Snake Rock’ in Gogolevka Village.

- Length – 155 km

- Surface

forestry/countryside roads – 2,6 %

quiet asphalt roads – 97,4 %

Main users – cyclists, hikers (nature tours), kayakers

Inter-modality possibilities (connections to closest cities/towns and options for using public transport train/bus) – local buses to Polotsk, then Lepel. Accommodation in agro-tourism farms.Relevant web sites or links: www.ruralbelarus.by, www.holiday.by