FRIDAY TOUGH HIKE: 15km Edge of the World Circular

OVERVIEW

Next Friday, we will conquer the Edge of World with a long, difficult hike with significant elevation gain and loss.

This hike is suitable only for experienced hikers who are in good shape and have a good sense of balance. We will hike about 15km, scrambling over 1000 ft to reach the top of the Tuwaiq Escarpment and walking along its edge before descending back to the plain below. This is a circular route, which means that you will not be able to end the hike early if you are tired.

SIGNUP PROCESS

• Saturday to Wednesday: sign up to join the waitlist
• Wednesday PM: RSVPs close
• Thursday: group finalised and WhatsApp group live; final itinerary sent on WhatsApp to attendees

PREPARATION

Please bring a packed lunch and LOTS of water (3 liters minimum, given the length of this hike and the current weather).

Walking in the desert requires preparation. Proper hiking clothes and hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots) are a must. So is appropriate protection from the sun (hat, sunglasses, sunblock). Temperatures in the desert can change quickly: wear comfortable, breathable clothing to withstand the midday heat and bring layers for when the temperature drops in the evening.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure you are in good physical shape.
Every person is responsible for him or herself.

TRIP COORDINATION

• Read this information carefully as it answers a lot of the common questions before contacting me. I organize these trips in my free time while working and balancing family responsibilities, so please respect my time as the organizer.
• This is a free trip, organized by me on a volunteer basis and made possible by our wonderful volunteer drivers, who generously take other hikes along with them.
• Hikes are coordinated through a dedicated WhatsApp group, which is launched on the Wednesday or Thursday before the hike. All information about the trip (meeting point, final schedule, hiking start location) will be shared through the dedicated WhatsApp group, not here. Don't contact me before Wednesday asking why you're not in the WhatsApp group.
• Joining the Waitlist on Meetup is not a guarantee of a spot. You need to provide a mobile number and confirm your interest by WhatsApp when I reach out to you. If you don't provide a phone number or confirm your interest when I reach out, I will move you to "Not Going".
• This trip requires an SUV to reach the trailhead. I will only add you to the group once I am sure that you have a ride if you need one. Sedans are not allowed on this route: someone tried last time and ended up with a flat tire.

APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE (to be confirmed by WhatsApp to attendees)

• 8:00: Gather at a meeting point in central Riyadh (location shared on WhatsApp) and check in
• 8:15: Everyone gets into SUVs, and we drive to the hiking location
• 9:45: We arrive at the hike starting point, introduce ourselves, and start exploring
• 13:00: Pause hike for a lunch break whenever you want
• 16:00: Everyone back to the cars (option to leave, hang out, or explore more )
• 17:30: Approximate return to Riyadh

As always, if you are as excited as I am about hiking, want to help, or have a day trip suggestion, please give me a shout.

Anna