Muttrah to old Muscat: over the ridge from the souq

Start at the Mutrah Fort bus stop on the Corniche, by Mutrah Fort and the entrance to the Mutrah souq (سوق مطرح). Go along Street 10 to the foot of the ridge, then climb the beaten-earth path over the ridge above the town, with views back over Muttrah's harbour, the Corniche and the mountains. From the top take the paved track down to old Muscat and finish at Bait Al Zubair (بيت الزبير). OpenStreetMap maps the path and the track as the C38 and C39 hiking routes.

It is 4.3 km one way with 112 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: a rough earth path on the ridge, about a third of the walk, and streets and a paved track for the rest. It is a one-way walk: plan your way back to Muttrah.

There is no shade on the ridge. Go early in the morning or in the cooler months, carry water and wear a hat. Dress modestly, covering arms and knees, as the UK government advises in Oman, and do not photograph people without asking.

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.