Feynan: the ruins of Khirbet Faynan from the Ecolodge

From Feynan Ecolodge (فينان) follow the track south-west across the open valley floor, dropping gently as it goes, to Khirbet Faynan (فينان), where many Byzantine and Roman ruins are preserved, according to RSCN. The line goes as far as a mapped ruin on the track beyond the site, 2.4 km from the lodge. Look round the low walls, keep off them, and turn back the same way. Faynan was a copper-working centre, and RSCN's longer archaeological walk from the lodge also takes in a Roman aqueduct and mill, an early Byzantine monastery and church on a hill and Neolithic settlements; none of these is located here.

It is 4.7 km there and back with 52 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours plus time among the ruins (RSCN gives 5 to 6 km and 3 to 4 hours for its archaeological walk, which ranges further). The grade is Easy: a level, stony desert track.

The ground is open and hot, with no shade: carry plenty of water and a hat, and go early or late. The old copper mine shafts nearby are not part of this walk, and RSCN lists the copper mines as guided only: do not go into any shaft. The ruins are an archaeological site, so touch nothing and take nothing.

RSCN lists its archaeological walk from the lodge as open all year, guided or self-guided. The lodge's pages speak of guests signing up at the front desk and say nothing about other visitors, so contact the lodge before you go. The lodge is 8 km of unpaved track from the nearest paved road; it recommends 4x4 or a high-clearance vehicle, or its transfer from the Reception Centre outside Qurayqura, 14.50 JD per car of up to four people.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.