EMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - De Atmar, a Wadi Atmar, Atmar Col (626 m), Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, y Wadi al Bih
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 5.38 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,795 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 1,795 ft
- Max elevation
- 2,046 ft
- TrailRank
-
71
5
- Min elevation
- 445 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 5 hours 15 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1587
- Uploaded
- February 24, 2024
- Recorded
- February 2024
near Ra’s, Raʼs al Khaymah (Yunaayitid Arab Imireetis)
Viewed 94 times, downloaded 3 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - From Atmar, to Wadi Atmar, Atmar Col (626 m), Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, and Wadi al Bih - وَادِي ٱلْبَيْح
INTRODUCTION:
Very interesting circular route, starting from the town of Atmar, on the banks of the Wadi al Bih, in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah (RAK), closely following the course of three wadis (valleys or dry rivers, with intermittent flow, that flow almost exclusively during the rainy season): Wadi Atmar, Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, and Wadi al Bih (Arabic: وَادِي ٱلْبَيْح).
** The Wadi Atmar , a tributary on the left of the Wadi al Bih, is a short intermittent torrent (just under 2 km), which originates on the northern slope of the Atmar Col (626 m), and has a rocky bed. and very steep, with some sections of average slope greater than 35%. It lacks important tributaries and in its course there are no rock walls, dry waterfalls or other obstacles that hinder or prevent the progression of the march.
View of Wadi Atmar
** The Wadi Ar Ra'ilah , mistakenly called Wadi Haqab by some hikers, mountaineers and climbers, is also a left tributary of the Wadi al Bih. Its main channel has a longer course (3 km), and when it carries water it also accumulates a significantly higher flow rate, as it is located in a larger hydrographic sub-basin, surrounded by relatively relevant peaks, receiving water from ravines, torrents and small wadis. tributaries of the northern slopes of Jabal Qada'ah (Jabal Al Ahqab); from the western slope of Jabal As Salwah; from the northern part of the Qada'ah Ridge; and from the northern slope of Jabal Haqab.
In its middle and upper course, the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah riverbed presents some significant stretches of gorge, with high rock walls and several important dry waterfalls, which make it a destination suitable only for mountaineering, canyoning or climbing activities. in no case for hiking. However, it is possible to use paths like the one on this day, which follow it for a certain distance and parallel to its lower course.
View towards some of the dry waterfalls on the left side of Wadi Ar Ra'ilah
** And finally, the long and important Wadi al Bih , with an extensive hydrographic basin of 483 km² distributed between the territory of the UAE and Oman, as shown in the attached graph, which is part of a prestigious study published in the book Wadi Flash Floods - Challenges and Advanced Approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction .
Location and hydrographic basin of the Wadi al Bih, and its hundreds of tributaries, sub-tributaries and minor ravines. Sketch published in ¨Evaluation of the Effect of the Wadi Bih Dam on Groundwater Recharge¨, UAE - Abdel Azim Ebraheem and others .
The Wadi al Bih is also known, among others, by the alternative names of Wādī Al-Bayḥ, Wadi Al Bayh, Wadi al Bih, Wādī al Bīḥ, Wādī Al Bīḩ, Wady Albyh, Wadi Bih, Wadi Beeh, Wadi Al Beeh , Wadi Al-Baih and Wadi Al Biyah.
The upper part of the Wadi al Bih basin, in the Sultanate of Oman, is formed by narrow valleys with steep slopes, reaching 2087 m asl at its highest point (Jabal al Harim, the highest point of the hydrographic basin, no. of the wadi).
In the territory of the UAE, the Wadi al Bih channel has an approximate length of 20 km, corresponding entirely to its lower course, with a very slight slope that goes from 200 m asl at the border limit, to 54 m asl near of the mouth.
Lower course of the Wadi al Bih. Alluvial plain formed after the mouth of its main tributary, the Wadi Shah or Wadi Shehah, which provides an important flow and an extensive hydrographic sub-basin of 72.06 km²
The total length of the Wadi al Bih varies depending on the calculation criteria used for its estimation:
a) Following a traditional criterion, it could be considered that the Wadi al Bih rises next to the village of Salhad, in Oman , from the confluence of three of its main tributaries: Wadi Salhad, Wadi Halqa Rawdah and Wadi Banah, and follows a total course of 36.56 km.
b) Although from a geographical point of view it is not the most orthodox, if we followed the criterion of the elevation of the highest source of the hydrographic basin , accompanied by a greater length, to the detriment of the criterion of greater flow or greater basin surface hydrographic, and we add the channel of its tributary Wadi Salhad , as if it were the main channel, losing its own identity, it could also be considered that the Wadi al Bih is born at the head of one of the torrents on the southern slope of the Jabal al Harim (2087 m) , at 1981 m asl, and would therefore have a total length of 52.03 km.
c) If the criterion of greater length and greater drainage area is used, but with a slightly lower elevation of the source, and adding to the main channel of the Wadi al Bih, that of its tributary Wadi al Jalbat, and that of one of the tributaries of this, whose highest source is at 1,964 m, on the eastern slope of the Jabal al Harim, the Wadi Bih would have a total length of 57.44 km.
Either of these last two options could be tempting, since it would provide the Wadi al Bih with a birthplace of greater renown, but both would imply the loss of the historically recognized identity of the affected tributaries: Wadi Salhad, and Wadi al Jalbat.
But there is a fourth option, which is the one officially recognized in the hydrological studies carried out in 1968 by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, which avoids altering the identity of its tributaries, and places the source of the Wadi Bih to the south of the village. of Maqalayli (in Arabic: مقليلي), corresponding to the confluence of its tributaries Wadi al Jalbat and Wadi Rimth, resulting in a total length of 48.54 km.
What can of course be stated, as rigorously true, since it is supported by reputed specialists, is that the highest point of the Wadi al Bih hydrographic basin is Jabal al Harim (2087 m) , in Oman, and that the wadi collects the waters of the southern and southeastern slopes of said mountain, through its tributaries.
Diagram of the course of the Wadi al Bih from its source in the Sultanate of Oman, to the alluvial fan that it forms at its mouth, in the UAE, following options A or B. Point A indicates the confluence node of the Wadi Salhad, Wadi Halqa Rawdah and Wadi Banah, next to the village of Salhad (traditional option). The circumference in yellow indicates the short stretch of Wadi al Bih traveled on this day
In any case, the crazy belief spread by some official media in the UAE, according to which the Wadi al Bih supposedly originates in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah, in the UAE, crosses the Hajar Mountains of the northwest, is categorically false and unfounded. , heading towards the northern end of the Musandam peninsula, then turns east and south, crosses Omani territory passing through the town of Zighy, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, and finally "returns" to the UAE.
THE ROUTE:
This circular itinerary, which has allowed us to get a little closer to the geography and characteristics of the Wadi al Bih, continues clockwise, a magnificent bridle path that starts from the village of Atmar, on the banks of the Wadi al Bih , and ascends with a gradual but continuous slope, following the bed of the Wadi Atmar, until reaching the Atmar Col (626 m).
The path platform is well designed and built (in the style of the one that goes towards the villages of Hebs (Ra's and Magam) , sufficiently wide and with protective walls at the points that require it. There are no exposure sections.
Although the path is steep, it is very safe and easy to navigate, to the point that it has become the preferred access route for the inhabitants of Hebs to reach their villages.
Once at the hill, we continue the circular route descending along the other bridle path that runs parallel, although at a certain distance, from the bed of the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah. The path is also well defined and constructed, with the exception of a section located 300 m away. after the village of Wabain, where there are two short ledges with slight exposure and no equipment. However, the platform of the path is quite wide, and natural support points are easily found in that section.
At the final part of this bridle path, there is a flight of stone stairs set with concrete, which do not offer the slightest difficulty. They are in perfect condition, they are wide and very easy to navigate.
There is a point where the stairs fork, offering two options that join again a few meters later. At this fork, it is preferable to use, both going up and going down, the stairs that we find on our right, since on the way down, the rise of the steps on the right is quite high, and it is better to go down that section. that goes up
Starting from a parking area located shortly after the stairs, the path now follows an almost flat route, first along the ballast and gravel track that leads there, parallel to the final stretch of the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, and then across the wide desert gravel alluvial plain, which forms the Wadi Bih in its lower course.
Transit through this plain, in full sun, can be a bit exhausting, since there are hardly any shaded spaces, which forces us to consider the convenience of looking, for the future, for a starting point for the circular itinerary that allows distribute this final stretch, and travel it at least partially first thing in the morning.
ACCESS TO THE ITINERARY AND PARKING:
Getting to the starting point of this circular route is very simple, since you arrive by paved road to the point with coordinates 25.821683, 56.113075 , located at a roundabout on Al Beeh Road, and from there you can see the town of Atmar. and you follow a track in good condition for 600 meters.
At the coordinate point 25.818193, 56.117349 , there is excellent parking space.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ROUTE:
The degree of difficulty of a route is mainly measured based on three factors: effort, technicality and risk , although the real difficulty of an itinerary must also take into account other variables, such as the weather situation, the weight of the backpack and the preparation. or physical form of the walker, who must know how to evaluate himself.
To know the physical difficulty or physical effort required, it is useful to use an automatic assessment system, such as the one provided by the PPI index. This is the index that corresponds to this route:
IBP index: 61 HKG
Total distance: 8.42 km
Desn. Accumulated climb: 538.1 m
Desn. Accumulated descent: 534.5 m
Maximum height: 623.4 m
Minimum height: 135.7 m
Total time: 5:15:50 h
Moving time: 3:09:17 h
Stopped time: 2:06:33 h
Total average speed: 1.6 km/h
Average moving speed: 2.67 km/h
IBP index. IBP index is an automatic rating system that rates the physical difficulty of a route
GENERAL TABLE OF TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY AND RISK LEVELS:
Pictograms with the degrees of technical difficulty and risk of a hiking route
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:
Level 3: LOW DIFFICULTY: Route or section of route that presents at least one obstacle of a height less than or equal to knee height. The posture of the foot adapts to the irregularity of the support. The placement of the supports is carried out on the areas with the best grip. This degree of difficulty of the route is concentrated exclusively in a 200 m section. downhill, located 300 m. after the village of Wabain, where there are two short ledges with slight exposure and no equipment. However, the platform of the path is quite wide, and natural support points are easily found in that section .
RISK LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:
Level 2: FAIRLY LOW: Fairly low accident risk level. Hazard exposure remains limited. Injuries are possible but minor (examples: path in quite marked relief with possible presence of embankments, possible dislocation and sprains in case of fall...)
INTRODUCTION:
Very interesting circular route, starting from the town of Atmar, on the banks of the Wadi al Bih, in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah (RAK), closely following the course of three wadis (valleys or dry rivers, with intermittent flow, that flow almost exclusively during the rainy season): Wadi Atmar, Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, and Wadi al Bih (Arabic: وَادِي ٱلْبَيْح).
** The Wadi Atmar , a tributary on the left of the Wadi al Bih, is a short intermittent torrent (just under 2 km), which originates on the northern slope of the Atmar Col (626 m), and has a rocky bed. and very steep, with some sections of average slope greater than 35%. It lacks important tributaries and in its course there are no rock walls, dry waterfalls or other obstacles that hinder or prevent the progression of the march.
View of Wadi Atmar
** The Wadi Ar Ra'ilah , mistakenly called Wadi Haqab by some hikers, mountaineers and climbers, is also a left tributary of the Wadi al Bih. Its main channel has a longer course (3 km), and when it carries water it also accumulates a significantly higher flow rate, as it is located in a larger hydrographic sub-basin, surrounded by relatively relevant peaks, receiving water from ravines, torrents and small wadis. tributaries of the northern slopes of Jabal Qada'ah (Jabal Al Ahqab); from the western slope of Jabal As Salwah; from the northern part of the Qada'ah Ridge; and from the northern slope of Jabal Haqab.
In its middle and upper course, the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah riverbed presents some significant stretches of gorge, with high rock walls and several important dry waterfalls, which make it a destination suitable only for mountaineering, canyoning or climbing activities. in no case for hiking. However, it is possible to use paths like the one on this day, which follow it for a certain distance and parallel to its lower course.
View towards some of the dry waterfalls on the left side of Wadi Ar Ra'ilah
** And finally, the long and important Wadi al Bih , with an extensive hydrographic basin of 483 km² distributed between the territory of the UAE and Oman, as shown in the attached graph, which is part of a prestigious study published in the book Wadi Flash Floods - Challenges and Advanced Approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction .
Location and hydrographic basin of the Wadi al Bih, and its hundreds of tributaries, sub-tributaries and minor ravines. Sketch published in ¨Evaluation of the Effect of the Wadi Bih Dam on Groundwater Recharge¨, UAE - Abdel Azim Ebraheem and others .
The Wadi al Bih is also known, among others, by the alternative names of Wādī Al-Bayḥ, Wadi Al Bayh, Wadi al Bih, Wādī al Bīḥ, Wādī Al Bīḩ, Wady Albyh, Wadi Bih, Wadi Beeh, Wadi Al Beeh , Wadi Al-Baih and Wadi Al Biyah.
The upper part of the Wadi al Bih basin, in the Sultanate of Oman, is formed by narrow valleys with steep slopes, reaching 2087 m asl at its highest point (Jabal al Harim, the highest point of the hydrographic basin, no. of the wadi).
In the territory of the UAE, the Wadi al Bih channel has an approximate length of 20 km, corresponding entirely to its lower course, with a very slight slope that goes from 200 m asl at the border limit, to 54 m asl near of the mouth.
Lower course of the Wadi al Bih. Alluvial plain formed after the mouth of its main tributary, the Wadi Shah or Wadi Shehah, which provides an important flow and an extensive hydrographic sub-basin of 72.06 km²
The total length of the Wadi al Bih varies depending on the calculation criteria used for its estimation:
a) Following a traditional criterion, it could be considered that the Wadi al Bih rises next to the village of Salhad, in Oman , from the confluence of three of its main tributaries: Wadi Salhad, Wadi Halqa Rawdah and Wadi Banah, and follows a total course of 36.56 km.
b) Although from a geographical point of view it is not the most orthodox, if we followed the criterion of the elevation of the highest source of the hydrographic basin , accompanied by a greater length, to the detriment of the criterion of greater flow or greater basin surface hydrographic, and we add the channel of its tributary Wadi Salhad , as if it were the main channel, losing its own identity, it could also be considered that the Wadi al Bih is born at the head of one of the torrents on the southern slope of the Jabal al Harim (2087 m) , at 1981 m asl, and would therefore have a total length of 52.03 km.
c) If the criterion of greater length and greater drainage area is used, but with a slightly lower elevation of the source, and adding to the main channel of the Wadi al Bih, that of its tributary Wadi al Jalbat, and that of one of the tributaries of this, whose highest source is at 1,964 m, on the eastern slope of the Jabal al Harim, the Wadi Bih would have a total length of 57.44 km.
Either of these last two options could be tempting, since it would provide the Wadi al Bih with a birthplace of greater renown, but both would imply the loss of the historically recognized identity of the affected tributaries: Wadi Salhad, and Wadi al Jalbat.
But there is a fourth option, which is the one officially recognized in the hydrological studies carried out in 1968 by Sir William Halcrow and Partners, which avoids altering the identity of its tributaries, and places the source of the Wadi Bih to the south of the village. of Maqalayli (in Arabic: مقليلي), corresponding to the confluence of its tributaries Wadi al Jalbat and Wadi Rimth, resulting in a total length of 48.54 km.
What can of course be stated, as rigorously true, since it is supported by reputed specialists, is that the highest point of the Wadi al Bih hydrographic basin is Jabal al Harim (2087 m) , in Oman, and that the wadi collects the waters of the southern and southeastern slopes of said mountain, through its tributaries.
Diagram of the course of the Wadi al Bih from its source in the Sultanate of Oman, to the alluvial fan that it forms at its mouth, in the UAE, following options A or B. Point A indicates the confluence node of the Wadi Salhad, Wadi Halqa Rawdah and Wadi Banah, next to the village of Salhad (traditional option). The circumference in yellow indicates the short stretch of Wadi al Bih traveled on this day
In any case, the crazy belief spread by some official media in the UAE, according to which the Wadi al Bih supposedly originates in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah, in the UAE, crosses the Hajar Mountains of the northwest, is categorically false and unfounded. , heading towards the northern end of the Musandam peninsula, then turns east and south, crosses Omani territory passing through the town of Zighy, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, and finally "returns" to the UAE.
THE ROUTE:
This circular itinerary, which has allowed us to get a little closer to the geography and characteristics of the Wadi al Bih, continues clockwise, a magnificent bridle path that starts from the village of Atmar, on the banks of the Wadi al Bih , and ascends with a gradual but continuous slope, following the bed of the Wadi Atmar, until reaching the Atmar Col (626 m).
The path platform is well designed and built (in the style of the one that goes towards the villages of Hebs (Ra's and Magam) , sufficiently wide and with protective walls at the points that require it. There are no exposure sections.
Although the path is steep, it is very safe and easy to navigate, to the point that it has become the preferred access route for the inhabitants of Hebs to reach their villages.
Once at the hill, we continue the circular route descending along the other bridle path that runs parallel, although at a certain distance, from the bed of the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah. The path is also well defined and constructed, with the exception of a section located 300 m away. after the village of Wabain, where there are two short ledges with slight exposure and no equipment. However, the platform of the path is quite wide, and natural support points are easily found in that section.
At the final part of this bridle path, there is a flight of stone stairs set with concrete, which do not offer the slightest difficulty. They are in perfect condition, they are wide and very easy to navigate.
There is a point where the stairs fork, offering two options that join again a few meters later. At this fork, it is preferable to use, both going up and going down, the stairs that we find on our right, since on the way down, the rise of the steps on the right is quite high, and it is better to go down that section. that goes up
Starting from a parking area located shortly after the stairs, the path now follows an almost flat route, first along the ballast and gravel track that leads there, parallel to the final stretch of the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, and then across the wide desert gravel alluvial plain, which forms the Wadi Bih in its lower course.
Transit through this plain, in full sun, can be a bit exhausting, since there are hardly any shaded spaces, which forces us to consider the convenience of looking, for the future, for a starting point for the circular itinerary that allows distribute this final stretch, and travel it at least partially first thing in the morning.
ACCESS TO THE ITINERARY AND PARKING:
Getting to the starting point of this circular route is very simple, since you arrive by paved road to the point with coordinates 25.821683, 56.113075 , located at a roundabout on Al Beeh Road, and from there you can see the town of Atmar. and you follow a track in good condition for 600 meters.
At the coordinate point 25.818193, 56.117349 , there is excellent parking space.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ROUTE:
The degree of difficulty of a route is mainly measured based on three factors: effort, technicality and risk , although the real difficulty of an itinerary must also take into account other variables, such as the weather situation, the weight of the backpack and the preparation. or physical form of the walker, who must know how to evaluate himself.
To know the physical difficulty or physical effort required, it is useful to use an automatic assessment system, such as the one provided by the PPI index. This is the index that corresponds to this route:
IBP index: 61 HKG
Total distance: 8.42 km
Desn. Accumulated climb: 538.1 m
Desn. Accumulated descent: 534.5 m
Maximum height: 623.4 m
Minimum height: 135.7 m
Total time: 5:15:50 h
Moving time: 3:09:17 h
Stopped time: 2:06:33 h
Total average speed: 1.6 km/h
Average moving speed: 2.67 km/h
IBP index. IBP index is an automatic rating system that rates the physical difficulty of a route
GENERAL TABLE OF TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY AND RISK LEVELS:
Pictograms with the degrees of technical difficulty and risk of a hiking route
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:
Level 3: LOW DIFFICULTY: Route or section of route that presents at least one obstacle of a height less than or equal to knee height. The posture of the foot adapts to the irregularity of the support. The placement of the supports is carried out on the areas with the best grip. This degree of difficulty of the route is concentrated exclusively in a 200 m section. downhill, located 300 m. after the village of Wabain, where there are two short ledges with slight exposure and no equipment. However, the platform of the path is quite wide, and natural support points are easily found in that section .
RISK LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:
Level 2: FAIRLY LOW: Fairly low accident risk level. Hazard exposure remains limited. Injuries are possible but minor (examples: path in quite marked relief with possible presence of embankments, possible dislocation and sprains in case of fall...)
Waypoints
Photo
1,119 ft
Sendero pendiente, pero muy bien definido. Camino de herradura
Sendero pendiente, pero muy bien definido. Camino de herradura
Photo
1,304 ft
Hasta aquí la pendiente es gradual. Comienza el sendero más empinado y en zigzag
Up to this point the slope is gradual. The steepest and zigzag trail begins
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Photo
1,548 ft
Tramo hormigonado y con muretes, para evitar la losa con pendiente
Tramo hormigonado y con muretes, para evitar la losa con pendiente
Photo
1,634 ft
Más muretes de protección en la parte exterior del camino
Más muretes de protección en la parte exterior del camino
Tree
1,745 ft
Manzana de Sodoma o Algodón de Seda (Calotropis prosera) a un lado del sendero. Su savia lechosa es venenosa
Sodom Apple or Silk Cotton (Calotropis prosera) on the side of the path. Its milky sap is poisonous
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Mountain pass
Photo
2,027 ft
En la bajada del Atmar Col. Excelente camino de herradura
En la bajada del Atmar Col. Excelente camino de herradura
Photo
1,597 ft
Corto tramo de cornisa, con leve exposición y sin equipamiento
Corto tramo de cornisa, con leve exposición y sin equipamiento
Photo
1,447 ft
Otro corto tramo de cornisa con leve exposición
Otro corto tramo de cornisa con leve exposición
Intersection
947 ft
Bifurcación del tramo final de escaleras. Tomamos las de la derecha (tramo más corto y pendiente)
Bifurcation of the final flight of stairs. We take the ones on the right (shorter and steeper section)
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Car park
River
586 ft
Curso bajo del Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, poco antes de su desembocadura en el Wadi Bih
Lower course of the Wadi Ar Ra'ilah, shortly before its mouth into the Wadi Bih
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Photo
448 ft
Wadi al Bih - وَادِي ٱلْبَ. Llanura aluvial formada a partir de la desembocadura del Wadi Shah o Wadi Shehah en el Wadi Bih
Wadi al Bih - وَادِي ٱلْبَ. Alluvial plain formed from the mouth of the Wadi Shah or Wadi Shehah in the Wadi al Bih
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Photo
482 ft
Llanura aluvial del Wadi al Bih, antes del abanico aluvial que forma en su desembocadura
Alluvial plain of the Wadi al Bih, before the alluvial fan that forms at its mouth
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Very interesting route. Very complete information