LYCIAN WAY WEST – 7 DAYS

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN - mountainous and uneven

As terrain associated with Mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and or rocky balancing and core exercises are vital. Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills or up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills, boring as that sounds, is incredibly useful. Elevation is often the chief walk killer, not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles. So concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritize options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

Availability

This trip is available Feb to May and September to October. Generally, it is way too hot to walk in Turkey in summer.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

You need to fly to Dalaman Airport in Turkey (near Fethiye) where you will picked up and taken to your first accommodation. Dalaman can be reached from many places around the world. Including the UK, Russia, the Middle East, Germany and Austria to name just a few countries. Flightscanner is a useful resource. It is easier to fly from Istanbul than forms of travel.

The Walking

This walk is not challenging and is graded as moderate leaving you ample time to explore the gorgeous small villages and ancient ruins. It also leaves time to relax and enjoy remote beaches away from the crowds. So don’t forget your swimming togs.

The tracks and trails on this tour will have prolonged ascents and descents along sections, but given the average length of the walk being around 11km, this is not something to be concerned about. We have given elevations on the itinerary days. However, the terrain in Turkey is rocky and stony with a mix of smooth trails and uneven surfaces. We recommend walking poles and shoes/boots with good ankle support. It is essential to be sure-footed with good balance.

This tour requires good physical preparation, appropriate gear, and comfort with varied terrain, including some exposure to heights. We would suggest an exercise regime that incorporates walking 10km would be useful.

Although the route is waymarked for each of your walks, you will be provided with Auswalk comprehensive walk notes, a summary of daily walks, maps (and GPX tracks if you require to use them for your own device).

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the accommodation by 8.00 a.m. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on our self-guided walking trips in Turkey. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.