Coldwater Bay

Date

3rd  June 2006

Distance and our timing

Only 3 miles but hard going on the way back in the hot afternoon sun. Actual time walking 3 hours.

Exercise Rating

Good amount of aerobic exercise - from the bay to the col is about a 650 foot climb.

Introduction

We were just arrived in Turkey for a week in Kaya Koy and looking for a reasonably gentle walk, bearing in mind the heat of early June.

The Walk

We began the walk along the lane to the village from Gunay's Garden, from which the ghost village can be quite clearly seen. The walk bears right at the first bend following a stone-lined path across a small enclosure to joined a walled track directly to the ticket office for the ghost village. The ticket collector had gone for a break so on this occasion we didn't pay - after all, we were only passing through..

The route continued to follow the main path, which climbs steeply through the ghost town. I found the place quite atmospheric and could imagine what is must have been like when inhabited. Narrow paths barely wide enough for people and livestock to pass squeeze between buildings. Round cisterns are to be seen next to each house, which were used to collect rain water.

It didn’t take long to reach the col from this side, invovling a 200 foot climb. From the top there are splendid views over Karakoy and it is quite easy to spot Gunay’s Garden through the ruins. From this point we followed the blobs of red paint and marker arrows, which are footpath makers all the way to Coldwater Bay.

The terrain changes into an uneven rocky surface of scrubland dotted with Mediterranean shrubs and a few trees. The scent of thyme and rosemary rose deliciously as we brushed by.

The descent is gradual at first but soon becomes quite steep with an occasional scramble and we had to keep an eye on where we were putting our feet, especially as the views over the coast line unfolded.

At the bottom of the descent the ground levels out suddenly and at this point we were mistaken in taking the path that goes straight on instead of bearing right and dropping down towards the bay. After realising our error we retraced our steps, finding it easy going from this point and we were soon able to cool off with a swim in the bay. I was expecting a secluded cove but there were several boats anchored up with visitors who had been ferried in the easy way. Hardly crowded, it didn't detract from the beauty of the scene but we did feel rather smug in having worked hard for the pleasure. Refreshments frequently arrived by small boat from enterprising Turks who could supply cold ice creams, water melon, or even the traditional and ubiquitous pancakes made on the spot.

We found the walk back quite hard (Gill - you mean hot, sweaty and exhausting) but we did do this in the heat of the day, There there was no rush and we paused for the views (Gill - to get our breath back and swig water) often. From sea level we climbed to about 650 feet at the col before dropping back down into KaraKoy and a swim and cold beer at Gunay's Garden. 

Special Comments

A lovely short walk or half day excursion with longer at the beach. Its not too far to carry a picnic down. There is also a restaurant at Coldwater bay, which might be worth a try.