Coal Mine Trail - Kaytouli

From the water fountain near St Michael Church, dating back to 1890, walk to the St George Church and take in the panoramic view from the courtyard. Then head down to the municipality building and take a right turn until you reach an olive grove. Walk through and take trail on right down towards a forest through scrubs until you reach a clearing, head right through olive trees, then downwards north through bushes, staying right towards a stone water basin. Continue along the trail to pine trees and take in the impressive view of the deep valley and Homsieh village.

Then head down ca. 400m, staying right on the cliff trail – look out for the striking pink flowers of the rare Dilb bush. Take a right turn into the wild towards a stream and an abandoned coal mine dating back to the 1940’s. Go back on the trail, head down towards the Mar Gerges stream, passing through a jungle of brilliant green Kateaa Wasel, a fauna unique to this region - stop to take a drink from the refreshing ice-cold spring. A chorus of birds will accompany your hike back down, then take a left towards a gravel track past dramatic rock formations - look out for a sphinx shaped rock. At the end of the track go left into dense forest towards the El Zarka stream. Cross to reach the scenic Al Wata valley, blanketed with wildflowers and home to grazing goats and sheep, to view an ancient mill and abandoned stone houses on the opposite hill. A beautiful spot to take a break on the grass under the shade of olive trees.

From here, take the agriculture road upwards until it divides. This part of the trail is lined with wild orchids in spring. Take a left turn to the Karam winery (wine tasting and lunch on appointment). Take a right turn towards St. Peter and Paul monastery where you can purchase delicious preserves. Then, head on to the El-Maknounieh – Hidab main road, your final destination.

From here, head west to the station of the El Zarka stream. Cool off in the lagoon next to an enormous leafy maple tree. Continue west following the stream towards a beautiful water cascade. Pass over a meadow, in spring a vision of pink and yellow, towards a farm. Take the track road, past abandoned stone houses set against a breathtaking view, back to the village of Kaytouli.