Mountain Hikes in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

What To Take:

- Water: at least 3 Litres per person
- Appropriate clothing: Can be cool in the early morning, but gets warm, so think layers!
- Sturdy footware.
- Sun protection.
- Lightweight food: Small lunch, protein bars, snacks.......LOLLIES ;)
- A hiking stick if you have one.
- Camera: If you are conscious of carrying weight, the mobile phone! If you are silly like me, take your DSLR!
- Small first aid kit
- Bags should not weigh more than 6kg maximum!

Remarkably, tribes of local Emiratis lived for centuries midway up the valley and our hike came across a small area where for a long time, they had practiced farming techniques to grow feed for livestock - a large flat area surrounded by a small rock wall which would gather soil over years, enough to sustain grasses to feed livestock in the summer. There was also a small cemetery and remains of traditional stones houses. Not far away was also a small point where water remained at the surface. Further up the valley was another small house - this was equipped with air-conditioning and is still inhabited today!

The final stretch of the hike was a steep, challenging climb - it certainly raised the feeling of satisfaction when reaching the top! The view from the summit was spectacular and despite it being a hazy day, it was still possible to see across the other side to a small village. We sat and enjoyed a picnic lunch, admired the view and contemplated the age old saying of "what goes up..........must come down!"