Walking along the Water Way near Zeyniler Village is a very pleasant stroll through the woods. The Water Way, known as the “Suyolu” in Turkish, begins way back in the Kaplikaya Valley and follows the land contours for over 5 kilometers all the way to where it intersects with the cable car (teleferik) lines. The Water Way was built in the early 1930s. It is a concrete water canal about 2 feet wide and covered by a concrete lid. In some places it literally looks like a concrete sidewalk in the middle of the forest. It was used to channel fresh mountain water to the city. For the most part, it is in pretty good condition today, but it is broken, covered over or destroyed in a few places. Since it follows the slope contours it seems virtually level for the whole 5 kilometers.
Zeyniler Village sits in the middle of the 5+ kilometer Water Way; 2.8 kilometers to the west takes you to the cable car lines, 2.4 kilometers to the southeast takes you up the valley to the source of the water. The most difficult part of this walk is getting to the starting points which are about 50-75 meters higher than the village hall (konak) or the metal gate.
There are 2 ways to find the start point for Water Way west:
The first way is to follow the village road to its highest southern point where you find a steel gate that will prevent your car from going any further. Park here and start walking up the road. There should be signs pointing you toward the “Paraşüt Pisti” (Paragliding Ramp). After your steep climb the road flattens and goes past a couple houses on the right and the left. 100 meters past these houses, there is a fork in the road. The main road is on the left and begins to climb up the hill, but you want to take the dirt road to the right. This road is actually on top of the Water Way. You will begin to see it on the right. Just keep following the road as it turns into a trail which is the Water Way. Be sure to appreciate the view of the valley and the city on your way.
The second way to find the Water Way is to begin from the lookout point just before you enter the village. With your back to the lookout point (the village is on the left and a view of Bursa on the right), start walking down the road as if you are returning to Bursa. 50 meters ahead, you should see a trail on the left that goes up into the woods (pictured below). Follow this trail up, then turn left when it intersects the main trail. Now follow the trail up the hill. This is a bit of a strenuous hike for about 250 meters, but it is not exposed or dangerous. You are following this ridge up to where it intersects with the Water Way near the base of the paragliding ramp. When you reach the Water Way be sure to enjoy the view as you try to catch your breath.
Finding the Water Way east starting point…
Follow the village road to its highest point where you find a steel gate that will prevent your car from going any further. Park here and start walking up the road. There should be signs pointing you toward the “Paraşüt Pisti” (Paragliding Ramp). After your steep climb the road starts to flatten out as it approaches a house on the right and one on the left. The house on the left is actually built on top of the Water Way. 50 meters before you get to the house, look for small paths that lead up to the Water Way. If you can’t find one just scramble up the hill a bit, the Water Way is right there, you just can’t see it yet because you are slightly below it (see picture). If you get too close to the house, the resident Kangal dog gets very excited. He has always been behind the fence when I have been there. It is best to not provoke him.
Once on the Water Way, enjoy the walk. The Water Way has been covered in some places by land slides but there is a path that gets you through. After about 1 kilometer on the Water Way, you will come to a small picnic area with a table, fire pit and running water. After about 2 kilometers, the Water Way has been destroyed by the service road that goes back to the source. You can carefully scramble down to this road and follow it for about half a kilometer to the source known as Gülpınar (Rose Spring). When the water is flowing, there are some waterfalls to see if you scramble over the big rocks up the creek a bit. You can return to Zeyniler Village via the service road. It is a pleasant walk. However, I often will return to the Water Way because I enjoy that path so much more.
Finding the Water Way to the west
toward the cable car lines:
Finding the Water Way to the southeast
toward the source:
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