In times like these, it can be difficult to find an activity that’s not too expensive, or even free. This can be a huge source of distress to many people, especially to the younger generation. Students, for example, need to take it easy sometimes and blow some steam off by exploring what Lebanon has to offer. However, since most people are on a tight budget, it’s not always so easy to do that. 

Luckily, our country still has some amazing natural reserves worth devoting our time to, like the Mseilha walkway and its historic fort, located in Batroun. This site is open to the public and completely free of charge, yet well maintained. The 12 km long walkway is divided into several parts, allowing visitors to leave the trail whenever they desire, since it can be challenging for many to finish this long hike in one go. The trail itself is also accessible for all and it consists of a straight long road made of concrete planks. Throughout the entire hike, trees, greenery, and plants surround you, allowing you to disconnect from everything else. This makes for a wonderful escape from stress, problems and worries! 

For those interested in history, the fort is close to the very first part of the walk, visible to the hikers, surrounded by massive areas of well-trimmed green grass, and easily accessible. There, you may want to drive slowly or even park the car and continue on foot. At the door, you will find a blue shield emblem which symbolizes the protection of the fort during armed conflicts as a cultural property, thanks to the Hague Convention of 1954.

Another advantage of this trail is its remarkable serenity, however close to the highway. The easy road to get there makes public transportation a solid option, but even with a car, the only cost that can be considered would be the tank of gas to put in for the ride. Food and drinks are available at the site, but you could always get everything you need at a local market or supermarket nearby.  

This is one way to spend your Sunday, just gather your friends and go on this small adventure, or do it alone if you’d like to. Either way, it’s a good experience indeed, peaceful and low-cost. No matter how intense the financial crisis gets, let’s all keep in mind that we will always have a beautiful Lebanon to explore and discover.