P22 Görükle - Kapanca
P22 Görükle - Kapanca
19,7 km
Max.: %8,0 / %-8,7 - Av.: %1,7 / %-1,8
204
191
Starting in Görükle and extending to the ancient harbor in the Kapanca area, this 30-kilometer trail partly follows the route of a historic caravan road. The trail intersects with the B18 cycling route-which runs from Tahtalı through Görükle to Kapanca-at several points. The route is traffic-free and runs through fields, pastures, and olive groves all the way to Kapanca.
Begin your walk in front of the Görükle Population Exchange Museum and follow Bey Çeşme Street toward İrfaniye. Just outside İrfaniye, the trail curves gently to the left and reaches the main road after 2 kilometers. Walk 300 meters along the asphalt and turn right at the Çiftçiler Çeşme junction to rejoin the unpaved path. After 4 kilometers from the starting point, you’ll cross a bridge over the highway (40.255876°N - 28.817349°E), followed by another over the Nilüfer Stream (40.264933°N - 28.807766°E). From there, continue walking on the Çekrice-Balabancık road to reach Balabancık neighborhood after a total of 6 kilometers.
From here, the path leads through Yenibağlık and Çamalan, continuing below Davulga Hill before arriving in Dereköy, a former Greek settlement. In the village square, turn left at the signpost by the bridge and walk through streets lined with historic houses. The route continues toward Kanlıkavak Hill, winding through olive groves. After another 3 kilometers, you’ll reach Mirzaoba, a village dating back to the early Ottoman era. Walk 1 kilometer on the asphalt road past the cemetery in the village square, then turn left at the signpost to reach Kaymakoba-another Ottoman-era village-1.5 kilometers later. From the signpost by the cemetery, continue walking toward Karadere.
After leaving Kaymakoba, the valley on your left marks the famous Barabeli Pass. This pass was crucial during the Ottoman period for caravans transporting goods from Bursa to the Kapanca Port. To block possible Byzantine reinforcements arriving via Kapanca during the conquest of Bursa, the Karakeçili Yörüks were settled here as Derbent guards, later founding the villages of Mirzaoba and Kaymakoba.
Beyond Kaymakoba, the path ascends through the valley between Dağtarla and Çatal Hill, reaching the highest point after 350 meters before beginning its descent. The path continues through olive groves, offering stunning views of the Sea of Marmara, Armutlu, and even Istanbul in the distance. After 6.9 kilometers from Kaymakoba, the trail descends and meets the Trilye-Eşkel asphalt road.
Turn right here, walk 350 meters, then take the dirt road on your left. Follow the signs and waymarks through a peaceful stretch of olive groves. After 2.5 kilometers, you’ll reach the base of Windmill Hill. Turn left at the signpost and continue among the olive trees. After about 500 meters, the dirt road turns right and leads down to the bay where the ancient port of Kapanca is located.