It’s that time of the year again. Setting foot out of home or the car finally doesn’t feel like walking out onto The Sun’s surface. It’s cool, crisp, even in the early morning, and Kuwait is outdoor friendly again.
Let’s face it. Not many of us venture out on foot, but there’s no better time to start discovering Kuwait from another angle. Ditch the traffic and drive-by scenes and get those laces tied to fill your lungs and heart with new places that can only be discovered by foot. It doesn’t matter if you’re walking, jogging or cart-wheeling, these car free spaces allow you to escape for a few hours. For those who fancy a bit of a change, here are just some of the favorite pathways within city reach.
SCIENTIFIC CENTER COASTAL WANDER
An all-time favorite. Ditch the wheels in the car park at the Scientific Center and set off for a 5 km loop to the Marina Mall and back. You’ll be walking with a breeze in your face and staring at the Kuwaiti skyline over the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf. There are several parks on the way and although some equipment is broken, there is enough to entertain children. The walk that starts off by the last Dhow to sail around Africa is atmospheric as you’ll cross walkers in Dishdashas and Lycra alike. Sunset is an ideal time to stroll, as the ambiance offers amazing photographic opportunities of the city’s skyline. With such a long stroll, it is worth noting that bathrooms are available.
HORSE RACING TRACK
This walk feels like escaping Kuwait. Situated off the 6th ring road next to the Sahara Golf Club, this walk takes you around the track. It’s a round loop that has a hard surface to jog and walk on and can be accessed at any time of the day. There is nothing for children, however, but a nice coffee shop terrace at the end. If you’ve worked up an appetite you will also want to check out the new Marouj dining village with its dozens of restaurants next door. No pets allowed.
MESSILAH PARK
This walk is short but deliciously atmospheric. Start at the Messilah car park from the Jumeirah hotel in Salwa. As you walk, watch fishermen angling into the Gulf and families gathering for picnics on the grassy squares around the play parks. The strip is as authentic as they come. Midway, there is even a Mosque and one of be oldest Diwaniyas of the the neighborhood still in its original format.
SAILORS VILLAGE WALK
The best place to walk to catch the sunset, theis walk along the sailors village faces East. There are a few grassy patches where women and children picnic as men in their dishdashas walk along. Park just behind the Sailors Village, facing the new Parliament building. A dander through the sailors center is also worthwhile for the cultural experience. It was built as an entertainment park for the families of sailors. Friday’s are atmospheric with live traditional music. The arts and crafts shops are also open on Fridays and public holidays. Ideal for children.
MISHREF TRAIL
This trail is known as one of the nicest local “walking tracks” that are built in every area. The 5 km trail can be accessed anywhere in Mishref ,and is built in a loop that joins block 1 and 2. You’ll love the fact that your walk under trees and the arches above it are often decorated with bright lights which makes for a bit of color after sunset. There are also several parks along it – the largest two being between the 6th and Mishref block 1.
