Ain A'Thawwarah Hot Springs

Ain A'Thawwarah rises at the foot of the mountains a short way from Nakhal fort, warm water at around forty-five degrees emerging from the rock and running down a built channel between the date palms, where it is used for washing, for bathing and for irrigating the gardens through the falaj. There is a stone-lined pool at the source, a picnic area with shade under the palms, and small fish in the channel. It is a local place rather than a resort, busy at weekends with Omani families and quiet during the week. The wadi behind the spring continues into the mountains. It combines naturally with a visit to Nakhal fort a few minutes away.

The landscape

• The spring source - the warm water emerging at the rock face.
• The falaj channel - the built course carrying the water into the gardens.
• Palm gardens - the plantations the spring irrigates.
• The picnic area - the shaded ground beside the channel.

When to go

October to April; summer makes hot water unappealing and the Batinah is humid. Weekdays are quiet. Fridays and public holidays fill the picnic area.

Practical notes

The pool is used by local men for bathing and is not a swimming facility; women should not bathe here. The water smells strongly of sulphur. Litter accumulates at weekends. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Nakhal fort is a few minutes away; Wadi Al Abyad is west.