Büyükçekmece to Yesilkoy – 31st August
Distance: 26.2 km – Elevation +330 m -330 m
Weather: Sunny. Temperature: High 28 degrees
Today was about the beginning and the end. I began with a gentle walk through the back streets of this large town. Unexpectedly coming across a bust of William Shakespeare residing with other celebrity busts including Charlie Chaplin, in a walkway through the grounds of the Buyukcekmece Ataturk Cultural Center. At this point the road began an almost vertical climb with views to the impressive tower located in the Akçakaya Peace Memorial Forest, and looking back, views of the town and its bay in the Sea of Marmara. The climb continued for close to 3 kilometres to meet the E5 Yanyolu ( a side road which runs parallel to the main E5 motorway).
From the top of the hill the road became much flatter before beginning a long slow descent through an almost continuous parade of shops and cafes. It was Saturday and there were people everywhere, and this whilst walking parallel with the busy E5 motorway. Imagine the English M1 motorway with footpaths and shopping malls on both sides and you won’t be far out with what it was like. There were several side roads leading to neighbourhoods, where it was possible to find moments of tranquility away from the noise of the motorway. Close to mid-morning I stopped in one of these communities, Migros, where I sat at an outside table of a delightful cafe and enjoyed a very good cup of Turkish coffee and watched as the Turkish people enjoyed their weekend break. Later and close to midday I stopped for lunch in a buffet restaurant situated in a small community, Cihangir, and again away from the busy motorway.
After lunch the road descended towards Avcılar and I passed by the now isolated and unused historic Harâmidere Bridge, built around 1560 and attributed to Mimar Sinan. On reaching Avcilar my route ran close to the Sea of Marmara as it crossed over the Küçükçekmece Lake, and then leaving the hustle and bustle of the E5 motorway environment, I found myself in the haven of a quiet country road, which led to the harbour and the seashore.
This was Küçükçekmece where the waters of the lake joined the sea. The lake outlet channel was lined with colourful boats, some of the boats were entering the waters of the sea, as I passed by, I guess to fish. There were families picnicking on the grass beneath the shade of trees, and children swimming and playing in the sheltered waters of the sea. I continued to follow the coastline through Şenlikköy to reach Yesilkoy, my day’s destination, and the Yesilkoy Airport Butik Otel. The hotel was situated in the quiet back streets of Yesilkoy, a complete and beautiful contrast to the hectic day and walk I had experienced.
The peace and quiet of the last few kilometres had made the whole day worthwhile, and tomorrow I walk into Istanbul, the end of stage 3 of my pilgrimage.
