Lycian Long Distance

As Turkey’s first long distance walking trail, opened in 1999, the Lycian Way has proved a popular destination with both tourists and Turkish travellers alike. Skirting the coast and the mountainous scenery of Lycia, it runs for an impressive 509km. With such distance to play with, it comes as no surprise that the Lycian way is host to a variety of different kinds of landscape and terrain for you to traverse. There are some seriously steep ascents and descents to make along the way as the route is comprised of several ancient foot and mule pathways, but it is hoped that the breathtaking scenery is ample reward for your physical exertion.

Not many people are aware of the fact that the official route was first marked out and charted by British woman, Kate Clow, who published an invaluable and comprehensive guide to the area and to walking it in the year 2000. Of course, not everyone will choose to tackle the full stretch in one go and there are many organised sections of varying difficulty and grandeur throughout the 509km of the official Lycian Way.

Many companies, dealing in holidays to this destination, will offer a range of guided or non-guided walks, and they both have their advantages. On a non-guided walk you will be more reliant upon your own organisational skills as you will have to make sure that you reach each destination in time to get to your pre-booked accommodation. The route is therefore less flexible but many find it more satisfactory to be in charge of your own maps and directions, taking responsibility for their own walking. It does, however, mean that you need to be accurately aware of how far you can walk in day before you depart. Guided walks has the added bonus of allowing you to have shared experiences, to make new and often lasting friendships and to be reassured by the constant presence of a Lycian walking expert along the way.

If you’re considering walking the Lycian Way, be sure to get hold of Clow’s guidebook, particularly if you’re planning to go it alone. It contains vast quantities of useful information about all parts of the walk and is the only really thorough guide to this landscape. Reach a sufficient level of health and fitness before you depart and make sure that you know your own limits whilst you’re there. Fly Monarch offer flights and deals on such Turkey holidays; though vastly rewarding this is a physically gruelling kind of holiday and perhaps not for the faint hearted.

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