The European project HIKE4ALL concluded its series of inclusive hiking events in Türkiye with a weekend of activities in Antalya and Eğirdir on 16–17 October 2026. Bringing together local participants, students with intellectual disabilities and European project partners, the event highlighted how cultural routes can create opportunities for outdoor activity, cultural discovery and meaningful social inclusion.
A weekend of learning and connection
The programme began on Friday, 16 October, with a visit to the ZİÇEV (Foundation for the Training and Protection of Children with Intellectual Disabilities) centre in Antalya. The visiting group was introduced to the centre’s facilities, including its classrooms, and learned about the foundation’s work and educational activities with its students. The visit provided an opportunity to better understand the students’ everyday experiences and the importance of creating opportunities for participation beyond their usual environments. Representatives of HIKE4ALL partners from Italy, Norway, the Czech Republic and Spain also joined the programme, making the gathering an occasion for international exchange and cooperation.
Exploring Eğirdir and the St Paul Trail
On Saturday, 17 October, the main hiking event took place in Eğirdir, in collaboration with Eğirdir Municipality and ZİÇEV. Despite rainy weather, a total of 64 people attended the hiking activities. The first part of the inclusive walk followed a relatively easy route around the Eğirdir peninsula, offering participants the opportunity to enjoy the lakeside landscape at a comfortable pace. The walk concluded at a scenic viewpoint in Akpınar village overlooking Lake Eğirdir, providing a memorable moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. A lecturer from Süleyman Demirel University’s Faculty of Tourism, Çetin Meydan, accompanied the group and provided an in-depth introduction to the region’s geography and history. The programme also included a cultural stop at Aya Stefanos Church, connecting the outdoor experience with the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Mayor of Eğirdir also joined the event, which subsequently received extensive coverage in the local and regional press. Following the inclusive hike, a second hike followed the section of the Saint Paul Trail between Bağören and Barla villages. This additional walk offered a chance to explore more of the region’s rural landscapes and experience one of Türkiye’s established long-distance cultural routes.
Inclusion beyond the trail
One of the most meaningful aspects of the event was the participation of ZİÇEV students as well as their caregivers and teachers, in the first section of the hike. Completing the walk was a valuable opportunity for physical activity and engagement with nature. However, the experience meant much more than reaching the viewpoint. Taking part in a social activity outside their everyday environment, meeting new people and sharing an experience with participants from different backgrounds were among the event’s most important outcomes. Walking together created a space for interaction and connection, demonstrating that inclusive activities are not only about physical accessibility but also about belonging, participation and shared experiences. This is at the mission of HIKE4ALL project: making cultural routes welcoming spaces where people of different abilities can come together, discover their surroundings and enjoy being part of a community.
Local cooperation, European connections
The event was promoted through the communication channels of the Culture Routes Society, ZİÇEV and Eğirdir Municipality, encouraging local participation. The presence of European partners strengthened international cooperation and provided an opportunity for the HIKE4ALL Project Consortium to meet in person, exchange experiences and discuss inclusive hiking. On 18 October, partners also took part in two cultural visits: Pınar Pazarı, a traditional market showcasing local Yörük products, and cold-storage facilities linked to the region’s apple industry, which accounts for approximately 60% of Türkiye’s production. These visits offered insights into local traditions, agricultural heritage and the rural economy. As the final event in the HIKE4ALL series, the gathering in Eğirdir reaffirmed the role of cultural routes in promoting healthier lifestyles, inclusion and access to heritage, demonstrating that shared experiences can bring people together, even in challenging weather conditions.
Discover the event through our photo and video selection
[Photo credits: Culture Routes Society]