Local Trekking Rotas
Twenty years ago a 500 km trail which runs from the foothills of Fethiye in the west the plains of Antalya in the east was marked and became known as ‘The Lycian Way’. The trail follows coastal tracks, ascending where the mountains meet the sea and descending to follow the sands of alluvial plains of the Western Taurus. Based on thousand year old mule tracks the trail narrows in places where the pace may slow, but all the better, as the scenery is awesome!
From Cragus in the west to Mount Olympos in the east the trail passes beneath the inner Akdag range whose highest peak stands at 3024m… The journey is a photographic feast of forest slopes and samphire shores. A book ‘The Lycian Way’ written by Kate Clowe follows the trail with maps and walking instructions. The route markings are adequate; online info and maps are readily available. There is plenty of accommodation in village houses on route. Free camping is not permitted due to danger from animals and fires.
The journey is a photographic feast of forest slopes and samphire shores.
For an enjoyable walk it is best to avoid the hot summer months. By the end of March the snow has cleared from the higher sections. Water from mountain springs is plentiful. Fritillaries, Cyclamen, Orchids, Tulips and Peonies appear… By the beginning of June, shepherds move up to higher pastures (Yayla) with their flocks which on the way indulge in the orchids you were hoping to find?
In autumn the seas are warm and the skies are clear, the heat of summer is over. It is the most peaceful time of year.
Few people complete the trail in one holiday. Staying in the Oludeniz area one can sample a couple of days following the markings or walk as far as Kekova (minimum 5 days required).Staying near Kekova one can complete a second leg as far as Adrasan. From Adrasan via Olympos one can complete the final leg.To take in the many sites of natural beauty and archaeological interest en route one needs to spend double the amount of time.
Kabak section of the Lycian Way
Some of the Locals…
THE OLUDENIZ SECTION
of the way as far as Kirme is an exciting mixture of mountainous tracks and meadow paths. The start-point is near the Montana Pine Resort. The lagoon at first glance resembles a glacial lake. Rounding a second headland one reaches the hamlet of Kozagac where there is good drinking water. From here the trail drops down to Kirme directly above Butterfly Valley. The route does not provide much shade.
THE KABAK GORGE SECTION
starts from the last district of the village of Faralya. The Gorge is a fabulous crenelated canyon with early Lycian tombs and waterfalls where all examples of East Mediterranean flora can be found within its walls. One should stick to the marked trail all the way. Walking time approximately 3 hours.
For those requiring flatter walking, part of the coastal trail runs from the Kemer aquaduct via Kalkan and Kas to Uluburun and Kekova. There are public minibuses which cover much of the route.
