An alternative, not a numbered stage
This is a waymarked alternative on the Lycian Way, not part of the main numbered sequence. It is a variant of Stage 21, Tekirova to Phaselis — walk one or the other, not both. Signage on the ground is the authority: follow the waymarks and carry the route on your phone.
About this route
A forest alternative for the final leg into Gedelme. From the Yaylakuzdere pastures it descends through woodland on the opposite side of the valley from the main route, arriving at Gedelme by its ruined castle. Combines with the Beycik–Çukuryayla variant for a lower version of the mountain stage.
Route highlights
- Yaylakuzdere yayla pastures
- Woodland descent to Gedelme
- Arrives near Gedelme castle
What to expect on the trail
The trail winds through pine and cedar forest, often shaded and fragrant. Surfaces are mostly soft underfoot, with some rocky sections.
You'll move between roughly 682 m and 944 m above sea level on this route — 159 m total ascent and 415 m descent over 7.5 km.
A moderate stage requiring reasonable hill-walking fitness. Most active hikers complete it in the suggested time with a 30-minute lunch break.
Water and shade
Water is available in places along this route, but sources are seasonal — treat anything you take from a spring and start with a full bottle. It is shaded for most of its length.
Getting there
There is no scheduled bus or dolmuş serving either end of this route. Hikers reach it on foot from the main trail, or by private taxi from Antalya or Fethiye.
Best time to walk this stage
The Lycian Way is best walked in spring (mid-March to mid-May) or autumn (mid-September to mid-November). October and April offer the most reliable weather: mild temperatures, clear skies, wildflowers in spring or olive harvest in autumn, and far fewer hikers than the shoulders of those windows. Summer (June-August) is generally too hot for comfortable walking — coastal stages routinely exceed 35°C and water sources dry up. Winter (December-February) brings rain to the coast and snow to mountain passes; the trail is walkable but conditions are unpredictable, especially on the higher inland stages.