Nazwa to Showka and back

Route overview

Suits riders comfortable with a long, largely flat 131 km day, as the climbing totals only 372 m.

A 131 km loop from Nazwa into the Hajar Mountains, turning at Shawka and returning past Al Fayah and Mahafiz.

The loop starts in Nazwa beneath Qarn Nazwa (200 m) and heads out across gently rising ground, passing the 2 December Cafeteria at 11.9 km before reaching Al Dafain at 21.6 km and Sha'biyyat Bahayis at 28.8 km. Filli comes at 39.1 km, with drinking water just beyond at 39.6 km, and a second water point follows at 57.4 km. The high ground arrives soon after: the route tops out at 286 m at 60.3 km, running beneath Jabal Shauka (439 m), an unnamed 451 m summit and Jabal Sakhbiri (360 m), with a viewpoint at 60.7 km. Shariyah and Shawka follow at 62.9 km and 63.4 km, marking the turn of the loop, then Musseili at 71.3 km. The return leg drifts downhill, with 71% of the day's 372 m of climbing already behind you by halfway. Al Fayah comes at 98 km, and the lowest point of the ride, 126 m, is at Mahafiz at 111.2 km. From there it is a run back to Nazwa, where three restaurants and cafés cluster at 129.1 km near the finish.

Highlights

• High point of 286 m at km 60.3, below Jabal Shauka (439 m)
• Viewpoint at 60.7 km, near Jabal Sakhbiri (360 m)
• Turn at Shawka and Shariyah, roughly halfway
• Qarn Nazwa (200 m) above the start and finish

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

4–5½ hours riding

Know before you go

• No water or café listed between 57.4 km and 129.1 km
• Only 372 m of climbing, but 131 km of exposed riding

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