Nazwa to Showka and the Hills

Route overview

Riders comfortable with 140 km in a day; the 724 m of gain is modest and the gradients stay under 6%.

A 140.3 km loop from Nazwa into the Hajar Mountains, taking in Shawka and two long, steady climbs, with 724 m of gain.

From Nazwa the loop heads out past a cafeteria at 3.9 km and runs through Al Dafain at 13.6 km and the village of Filli at 30.9 km, with the ground rising gradually rather than in steps. The climbing is concentrated in the first half, which holds 82% of the day's 724 m of gain. The first climb begins at 44 km: 4.1 km at 3.1%, gaining 126 m to 452 m, with a maximum of 4.8%. The high point of the ride, 471 m, follows at 48.7 km. A second climb starts at 60 km and is longer but shallower, 4.7 km at 2.7% for another 126 m, topping out at 439 m with a steepest pitch of 5.9%. A viewpoint at 64.7 km comes just before the road passes beneath Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m) and Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m). Drinking water at 75.4 km arrives just before the hamlet of Shariyah, then the route runs below Jabal Sakhbiri (360 m) and Jabal Shauka (439 m) to a second viewpoint at 78.8 km and into Shawka at 81.4 km. Musseili at 89.3 km, more water at 98.9 km, Sha'biyyat Bahayis at 109.7 km and Al Fayah at 115.8 km lead to Mahafiz and the low point of 138 m at 129.2 km, then the run back to Nazwa.

Highlights

• High point of 471 m at 48.7 km
• Two steady climbs, each gaining 126 m
• Beneath Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) and Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m)
• Viewpoints at 64.7 km and 78.8 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4–5½ hours riding

Season

Recordings fall in February, October and November, with temperatures from 15°C to 29°C.

Know before you go

• No water or cafe listed between 3.9 km and 75.4 km
• Recorded temperatures up to 29°C on an exposed 140 km loop

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.