After extensive scouting, the Zagros Trail is beginning to take shape and the team now needs to carry out extensive data gathering, mapping and strategic planning to turn this project into a sustainable path that people around the world can visit and enjoy.

The completed trail will run about 150 miles from west to east right across the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This region is undeveloped as yet for tourism so holds the potential for adventure hiking across stunning landscapes and mountainous terrain while enjoying the hospitality and kindness of the village communities that populate it.

The fundraising is for the equipment and expenses incurred by the local and international team in carrying out this exercise - this includes pay and sustenance for local guides and village people in conducting this project. The team will be led by Laween Mohammed of Erbil and Northern Irish trail explorer Leon McCarron who have worked closely for nearly two years to explore the trails and build local relationships and who now need to take the work to the next level. This is an essential strategic stage which will enable Laween and Leon to consolidate the work done so far, deepen local relationships, carry out risk assessment and mitigation, and help the communities along the way visualise the scope of the project. After this stage is complete, the team will create the plan for the coming months and years and start publicising the trail to open it up for international walkers.

For fundraisers and donors this is an opportunity to be in at an early stage of path development and an exciting adventure in a little-known part of the world. Send an email to info@abrahampath.org.uk to learn more about the Trail, to follow the project and for opportunities to participate, including in a journey which supporting charity UK Friends of Abrahams Path (see charity page) intends to organise along the trail in 2022/3, subject to its state of development.

Follow this link for further informaton and a Q&A about the fundraising, including the uplift of 50% your donation could achieve through gift aid and matched funding.