Qaa'at Al Muwayh Al Qadim (Rowntree's Best) Traditional Cache
Qaa'at Al Muwayh Al Qadim (Rowntree's Best)
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Near to a must-see, historical-interest, site. 4WD is a must, being so far from tarmac, however the real challenge is actually in getting to the site of the cache.
Our convoy, in transit to Wabha crater, decided to visit this point and then take the desert route across the salt plains to reach the crater. The whole journey proved to be very interesting and exciting.
Qaal'at Al Muwayh al Qadim, otherwise known as the King Abdulaziz hunting lodge, is concealed behind a low ridge of hills and is alongside a salt plain which is itself bordered by one of the many lava flows in the area. The hunting lodge itself was originally a black lava stone caravanserai situated on Darb al Hejaz, the old caravan route from Riyadh to Taif. Later converted to its most recent use as a hunting lodge by King Abdul Aziz it is now abandoned as is the old village of Muwayh beside it. The hunting lodge was open when we visited and the many aspects of it and the surrounding area make this a must when in the area. (Further details of this site may be found at www.baynardscastle.com/adventures/almuwayh)
To reach the hunting lodge leave the Riyadh - Jeddah highway at the new village of Muwayh (N22 25.504 E41 44.750)
and taking the relatively easy tracks follow your GPS to the lodge at N22 44.738 E41 35.524. You will know you are close when you sight a black square lookout tower on the top of a gentle hill. The hunting lodge is concealed behind this hill.
And so to the cache - it is not at the lodge but nearby. If you still have time following your visit to the lodge you will enjoy the hunt which will be close to some of the wells in the area.
For those travelling on to Wabha crater and wish to go across country set your GPS to N22 37.750 E41 21.400 which is in Mushrif town back on tarmac. Do not attempt to go straight for this reference but stand out from the hills and lava flows skirting around them. You will, eventually, pick up a track across the salt plains (avoid this route following heavy rain - it will be extremely muddy). An interesting crossing to say the least. If you pick up the track we used you will hit tarmac just outside Mushrif having passed the town dump (!!) and there will be a concrete wall beside you with a joining T junction just to your left. To avoid the traditional desert crossing from the centre of Mushrif take the route out from the T junction - this road skirts Mushrif and then divides as it leaves the town - bear left and it is tarmac all the way to Wabha. Good hunting and enjoy the trip - we certainly did.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Rirelguvat jr pbhyq bssre vf va gur grkg be gur cvpgherf
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