By A.J. Griffiths-Jones
Now that the summer season is coming to an end and the days are becoming cooler, many walking clubs in the area will resume activities, with both gentle strolls and hikes, for those wanting a more challenging day out.
The routes are varied, especially around Akbuk, where there are plenty of forest trails and beaches to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Most of those joining the walking clubs here take a flask of tea or water and sandwiches for lunch, ensuring they stay hydrated during the more arduous of hikes. We are lucky to have a very moderate climate here and last season very few walks were cancelled due to bad weather.
Some weekends the groups will hire a minibus to drop them at a particular location and then walk back, with some routes taking in ancient sites near Priene, Doganbey and Bafa Lake. Further afield is the amazing Latmos region, where a steady climb will reveal rock paintings and stunning ancient structures, such as a monastery and stone huts.
These wonderful walks are a photographer’s dream, with plenty of opportunities to catch natural light reflecting off the water or capture some of the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat.
A quick browse through Wikiloc will give you plenty of ideas for suitable walking routes if you need inspiration, with fifty-five listed paths, detailing the elevation, distance and difficulty of tracks.
Hikers can share their photos and experiences on the website and discover other trails suitable for mountain biking, running and alpine climbing. The resources are in multiple languages with useful maps and the expected time needed to complete each walk.
Walks for less active people usually focus on smoother pathways, shorter distances and more regular stops, ensuring that everyone can manage, with the option to take a dolmus home if necessary.
We bumped into one such group last weekend as they returned from a walk to the local garden centre and beach, the smiles on their faces telling us that it was a lovely day to be out and about with like-minded folk.
Of course, sturdy footwear is essential to avoid injury on unsteady ground and a waterproof jacket is also handy in case of an unexpected downpour. It is also a good idea to pack antiseptic wipes and plasters, just in case!
One thing that shines through with the walking club members here is the great camaraderie, with people showing patience if someone struggles to keep up the pace and everyone enjoying a well-deserved group beverage at the end of a tiring day.
Group activities are usually on Sundays throughout the cooler months and details can be found in various community groups and Facebook pages.
Naturally group walking is not for everyone. If you prefer a less structured routine, there are plenty of local areas to explore and getting out early in the winter months can be a real education in terms of local activity.
A stroll along the harbour at daylight, for example, will reveal the arrival of night fishing boats with their catch, cold-water swimmers taking an energetic dip, and a menagerie of birds gathered along the shore.
I’m a fan of solitary walking but enjoy listening to music, audiobooks or podcasts as I take in the morning breeze. It’s also a great way to practice my Turkish as I find that many early risers are willing to stop to say hello and exchange a few pleasantries.
Whatever your chosen form of exercise this autumn, why not add a regular walk to your day, it’s great for all-round fitness and will tone those leg muscles for the New Year party!