Kalba 153 loop

Route overview

A long day out at 154.9 km, best suited to riders used to big distances and happy to carry supplies.

A 154.9 km loop from Kalba through the Hajar Mountains villages of the northern Emirates, returning along the Gulf of Oman coast.

The loop heads inland first, passing Esfini at 9.9 km and running beneath Jabal Ash Shibkah (265 m) before reaching Kadrah at 22.1 km. Shariyah and Shawka follow at around 32.6-32.9 km, where a drinking water point is marked. The road then works through the higher ground of the range, passing Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) at 37.8 km and Jabal Ash Shahayrah (532 m) at 41.1 km. A string of small settlements comes in quick succession in the middle third: Munay at 54.6 km, Al Qilē'ī, Minazif and Fayyad between 60.9 and 63.5 km, then Harrah and Shia near 67 km, with unnamed summits of 812 m and 826 m standing above the road at 69.3 and 71.1 km. Al Uqdah at 79.5 km leads down towards the coast. From about 86 km the route runs through the built-up strip of Al Saaf, Al Ghail, Khawr Kalba and Kalba itself, where cafés and restaurants are concentrated between 88.6 and 108.5 km. Sakamkam comes at 114.6 km, then the road turns inland again past Jabal Muthrad (380 m), Yabsa, Al Farfar and Madouk, with a viewpoint at 134.4 km and water at 139.5 km, closing through Esfai at 151 km.

Highlights

• Jabal Al Hinnah (637 m) above the road at 37.8 km
• Unnamed 826 m summit beside the route at 71.1 km
• Coastal run through Kalba with cafés from 88.6 km
• Viewpoint at 134.4 km on the inland return

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

6–8½ hours riding

Know before you go

• No water or café listed between 32.9 km and 88.6 km
• Only two drinking water points marked on the whole 154.9 km loop

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