A very nice camping trip for a suitably equiped 4 x 4 convoy.
Edited 26/11/04 - I have downgraded this cache as, being one of the very early ones it had to be graded as per the geo system. I now grade caches relative to the expected experience of people who enter the area of the cache ie they should not be there if they are not experienced. If beginners they should be with experienced guides and it is the "guide" rating which I publish. Edited 5/2/2005 Rating downgraded to 3
As there are 2 routes from Riyadh to this cache (about 170km) it can be made into a round trip taking in many of the outstanding features of the Tuwaiq escarpment.
The cache is near the end of Wadi Howtah off the Al Kharj-Layla Road. (take juction 6A to Dilam from the Riyadh/Al Kharj motorway). The journey down Wadi Howtah is very pretty and the villages are very old - well worth a photograph or two. There are 2 routes out into the desert from the village of Hariq. Take the route which keeps the
escarpment close to your left and passes the military college. When the tarmac ends follow the desert road to
N23.32.147 E46.12.141 where you will find the best track to
approach the Flying Arch. Park where you will in the area of the Arch and it is well worth the climb up. Superb views.
The bad news is the cache is not there!!!
It is, however, nearby and the point where it is hidden is visible both from the Arch and the desert floor.
If you approach from the desert side follow the co-ordinates for TUWAIQCACHE until you are about 5 miles out - do not approach the escarpment but stay down the valley for another 14 miles approx. You will be opposite Wadi Howtah. Use the many tracks and your GPS to find your way in!
THE CACHE is in a clear plastic container with a blue top and contains items for both adults and children. It is hidden in a little niche.