Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and the Neolithic village of Beidha

From the car park at the end of the road, walk through the narrow entrance into Siq al-Barid, Little Petra (البتراء الصغيرة). The path runs between rock-cut façades, cisterns and dining halls, past the steps up to the Painted House, to a flight of steps at the far end of the gorge. Come back through the siq, then follow the track south below the cliffs to the Neolithic village of Beidha, where low walls and rebuilt round houses show one of the oldest farming settlements in the region. Return on the paths and track to the car park.

It is 3.4 km round with 106 m of ascent; allow about an hour, longer to look at the carvings. The grade is Easy: sandy paths and tracks, with a few rock steps in the siq.

The siq is a narrow flood channel, so stay away when rain is forecast in the hills. Carry water and a hat: the walk out to Beidha is open to the sun. Bedouin families live and herd goats around Beidha, so dress modestly and ask before taking photographs of people.

Siq al-Barid has no entry charge of its own on the Petra authority's fee list. It lies 9 km north of Wadi Musa, a short taxi ride from the town.

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.