Why this ride
From Qalansīyah it runs 361 km to Qalansīyah; allow about 6 h 57 of riding. It goes by way of Socotra d, Darsa and back through Socotra d. The line favours views over speed.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Socotra B and Darsa
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 361 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 6 h 57
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Socotra B
Towards the western end of Socotra, the land narrows and lowers, and the north coast curves into bays of sand so white they hurt your eyes in the midday sun.
Read the complete Socotra B write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Socotra B is where the day begins. Next is Socotra d.
2. Socotra d
Hadibu is the main town of Socotra, a dusty, low-rise place on the north coast of the island, between the sea and the jagged granite peaks of the Hagghier mountains, which rise to around fifteen hundred metres just behind it. These mountains catch the clouds, and their slopes are greener and wetter than the coastal plains, with streams, pools and a remarkable range of endemic plants. The island's population is small, and Hadibu, with its market, mosques and goats wandering the streets, is the only real town.
Read the complete Socotra d write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Socotra d comes up 104 km in. Next is Darsa.
3. Darsa
Darsa is a speck of rock in the Indian Ocean, one of the small islands of the Socotra archipelago, which lies about two hundred and forty kilometres off the Horn of Africa and belongs politically to Yemen. It is the sort of place that makes sense only on a map: a low, dry island west of the main island of Socotra, with few or no permanent inhabitants, visited by fishermen and by seabirds. Together with its neighbour Samha and the big island, it forms one of the most remarkable natural treasures in the world, which UNESCO listed in 2008.
Read the complete Darsa write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
207 km in you reach Darsa. Next is back through Socotra d.
4. back through Socotra d
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Socotra d write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
back through Socotra d, late in the day. Next is Socotra B.
5. Socotra B
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Socotra B write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Back at Socotra B. That is the ride.
Leg by leg
Socotra B to Socotra d
Socotra B → Socotra d is 64 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.
Socotra d to Darsa
Socotra d → Darsa is 143 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
Darsa to back through Socotra d
Darsa → back through Socotra d is 143 km of getting across. Ride it tidily and keep the enthusiasm for what comes after.
back through Socotra d to Socotra B
back through Socotra d → Socotra B is 64 km of rhythm rather than effort. Let it flow and let the view breathe.
More motorcycle rides nearby
- Socotra h and Socotra A (207 km) · 254 km
- Socotra h and Socotra B (319 km) · 435 km
- Socotra f and Sabunya · 230 km
- Socotra Archipelago and Socotra h · 369 km