From Gedelme (Turkish: Gedelme), you can reach the old bridge by two routes. The first follows a section of the Lycian Way along Sapan Dere Canyon (Sapan Dere). The second runs parallel to it along a mountain road and is technically easier. Both options end at the stone bridge in the Kesme Boğazı gorge (Kesme Boğazı).
Starting in Gedelme
Before setting out on the route, it is worth allowing time for the village itself. Gedelme Castle (Gedelme Kalesi) and the enormous Gedelma Çınarı plane tree stand close to each other here.
Kemer Municipality describes the castle as a well-preserved medieval Byzantine fortress and dates it to the ninth century. The fortress also served as a storehouse. The plane tree by its walls is estimated to be around 2,500 years old. It is difficult to determine the precise age of trees like this, so the figure should be treated as approximate.
Along the Lycian Way beside Sapan Dere
From Gedelme, this section of the Lycian Way first heads north, then turns east and reaches Sapan Dere Canyon. The route follows the canyon from north to south as far as the gorge and the bridge.
On the route, watch both for the red-and-white waymarks and for a downloaded GPX track. Forest roads and side tracks can lead you away from the canyon.
The Easier Mountain-Road Option
A mountain road runs parallel to the Lycian Way. You can follow it from Gedelme to the same bridge. This option is technically easier: there is more level road underfoot, and navigation is clearer.
The road is easier to walk, but the route remains long and linear. Before setting out, check the distance and elevation gain of the specific track and allow time to see the castle, plane tree, and bridge.
The Stone Bridge
Both routes from Gedelme lead to the old single-arch stone bridge in Kesme Boğazı. It is usually called the Roman Bridge (Roma Köprüsü). The stone arch spans a narrow channel in the part of the gorge where the rock walls draw closer together.
You can end the walking section at the bridge. All the options described are linear, so return transport must be arranged before setting out.
From Yayla Kuzdere via Gedelme
Another route approaches Gedelme from the west. It heads east from the village of Yayla Kuzdere (Yayla Kuzdere) and the giant plane tree, passes through Gedelme, and ends at the bridge. This makes it possible to see both plane trees, the castle, and the old bridge in a single day.
Our hike from Yayla Kuzdere to the bridge was 17 km long with about 115 m of elevation gain. The modest gain makes the profile gentler, but the distance itself requires a steady pace and enough time in reserve.
Difficulty and Preparation
The easiest route follows the mountain road from Gedelme to the bridge. The section of the Lycian Way along Sapan Dere requires more attention to the waymarks and turns. The option from Yayla Kuzdere primarily adds distance.
We do not have confirmed water sources for all of these options. It is best to carry water for the entire route. You will also need closed-toe footwear, a flashlight, and a charged phone with an offline track.
Our Hikes
- June 4, 2023: Yayla Kuzdere — Gedelme — bridge, 17 km with 115 m of elevation gain.
- June 18, 2023: Gedelme — Kemer, 15 km with about 500 m of elevation gain.
- April 14, 2024: we repeated the Gedelme — bridge option; the highest point on this route is at approximately 970 m.
For a first visit to this area, it is convenient to start in Gedelme, see the castle and plane tree, and then choose either the road or the Lycian Way section to the bridge. The long option from Yayla Kuzdere is suitable for a separate full-day outing.
