P20 Fadıllı - Uluabat - Akçalar
P20 Fadıllı - Uluabat - Akçalar
62,6 km
Max.: %8,8 / %-7,1 - Av.: %0,9 / %-0,9
428
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This 62.6 km trail follows ancient roads and lakeside paths around Lake Uluabat, and although it's long, it's not technically difficult-anyone with good hiking stamina can enjoy it. The trail stays near lake level the entire way and includes all kinds of terrain. About 22 km of the route overlaps with the historic Kirmasti Road, heading south of the lake toward Mustafakemalpaşa.
When combined with the Trans Mysia stages starting from Misi, the full distance to Uluabat stretches to 90 km-perfect for a 2-3 day hiking and camping adventure rich with nature, history, and culture. The trail begins in Gölyazı, west of Akçalar.
Starting from the famous "Crying Plane Tree" near Gölyazı Bridge, follow the path past the elementary school to the Apollonia Necropolis Open-Air Museum. If the museum is closed, take the dirt road 300 meters further and turn right, walking through gardens to reach the lake. You'll pass reeds, olive and fig fields, and eventually reach a lakeside restaurant. Keep going to the end of the meadow, then follow a narrow trail through reeds and marshes until you connect to an ancient road known locally as the "King’s Road."
This quiet stretch is great for birdwatching in summer. The trail then runs alongside a water canal, joining the bike trail and Trans Mysia trail. After passing under a culvert near Çatalağıl (40.212286N, 28.709317E), the route splits from the bike path at Aktümsek. Turn right at the signpost and continue on a well-marked trail to Karacaoba Meadow.
Follow the dirt road under Hisar Hill, past Deliler Yurdu, and into Akçalar. Go through the village square, take Gölyolu Street toward the old slaughterhouse, turn left, cross the stream, and follow the curve 200 m. The path runs parallel to the Fadıllı road for a bit, then exits onto the main road, turns left, and continues toward the Uluabat Dam (HES). Cross the stream using the bridge near the pipeline and follow the gardens and fields into Fadıllı.
From Fadıllı’s village square, follow signs to Ayva - Onaç - Dorak - Uluabat. The road is peaceful and lightly trafficked. 1 km after the Ayva turnoff (40.141083N, 28.689919E), take the shortcut right, keeping the lake on your right and walking through olive groves. The trail reconnects to the asphalt road 1.8 km later (40.133105N, 28.674813E), and 700 m after that, you’ll enter Mustafakemalpaşa territory. Turn right at the forest signpost (40.127308N, 28.666333E) to descend to the lake.
From here, the trail hugs the lakeshore along a dirt path shaded by olive and bay trees. 1.5 km later, a dirt road on the left (40.10533N, 28.57950E) called Han Yolu leads to the former Greek village Akçapınar. You’ll spot some ruins and old piers-remnants from when wood cut from the southern forests was loaded here for transport to Istanbul via Lake Uluabat and Koca Dere. The ruins were once a roadside inn for loggers.
From Han Yolu, walk 3 km along a narrow path between reeds and vegetation under Fırla Hill. During high water (especially in winter/spring), you may need to detour through olive groves before rejoining the main route.
Between April and November, this area comes alive-locals are pruning trees, picking olives, figs, and blackberries, gathering bay leaves, or prepping boats for fishing. You might even strike up a chat!
The path continues 1.5 km north of Onaç, passes Iskelebaşı, crosses Kocahayır Stream, and connects to Dorak (40.106237N, 28.577709E). After 1 km, you’ll arrive at the lakeside pump station, marking the edge of Mustafakemalpaşa Plain. In spring, you’ll likely see herds of water buffalo cooling off in the muddy wetlands.
From the pump station, a gravel road leads west to Karaoğlan after 3.5 km-an option if you need rest or want to set up camp. The left turn also connects with the B14 bike trail from Akçalar via Dorak.
To stay on P20, follow the dirt path on the flood barrier. After 2.5 km, you’ll reach the Mustafakemalpaşa River. Locals sometimes cross using remnants of an old bridge nicknamed "Stone Island" (40.123136N, 28.530676E) in dry summer months, but this is risky-follow the marked trail instead.
From the pump station, head north, turn left after 800 m, and walk 3 km alongside a dusty irrigation canal to the road below Karaoğlan (40.101937N, 28.528701E). If needed, turn left and walk 400 m into the village.
Important: The 20 km stretch between Fadıllı and Karaoğlan has no villages-bring enough water. If you plan to continue to Uluabat, you might need to camp or ask the village head for a place to stay.
4.5 km past Karaoğlan, the trail passes Ayaz and leads to Ayaz Bridge (40.100295N, 28.478897E), one of two crossings over the Mustafakemalpaşa River.
From here, P20 shares the path with B14 bike route. Cross the bridge, turn right at the sign, and walk 7 km alongside the river toward Lake Uluabat, passing pastures and farmlands.
Two parallel roads appear-take the one on the right for better lake views. This 13 km stretch offers fantastic scenery and birdwatching. 5 km later, pass the fork to Kumkadı and Ormankadı (40.167003N, 28.495439E), then 500 m ahead, enjoy the view from the Watchtower.
Another 6.5 km and you’ll reach Uluabat village. As you enter, look right to see the ancient bridge ruins over the stream (40.204050N, 28.441450E). You can end your hike here and catch a bus to Mustafakemalpaşa terminal or back to Bursa.
Stretching along the lakeshore between Gölyazı (Apollonia), which was the economic center of the region from Antiquity until the mid-20th century due to its access to the Sea of Marmara via Lake Uluabat and the Koca Stream (Rhyndakos), and Uluabat (Lopadion), a trade hub during the Middle Byzantine period and one of the region’s most important military bases around the year 1000, the Apollonia Route connects the geography and history of western Bursa. In Uluabat, remnants of the Church of Archangel Michael-also known as “the Holy General”-can still be seen. In its courtyard, there once was a chapel where those suffering from mental illness received treatment. The Apollonia Route links the gate of the Apollonia city walls to the Uluabat Fortress and features characteristics of the Archangel Michael Route, named after the many churches dedicated to Archangel Michael that were established in the region, often through foreign patronage. These churches include ones located in Bursa, Kumyaka / Siği, Mudanya - Yeniköy, Gündoğdu / Palladari, Kurşunlu / Eligmi, İsmetiye / Kelesen, Demirtaş / Tepecik, Gölyazı / Apollonia, Eskikaraağaç / Gulios, and Uluabat / Lopadion.