Hill of the Willow

(Local Name: Ras el-Safsaf) From a level area planted with cypresses half-way between the monastery and Gebel Musa an easy path (45minutes) runs between two lush green depressions (in the first of which is an old Chapel of St John the Baptist) to the foot of Ras el-Safsaf ("Hill of the Willow"), with a ruined Chapel of the Virgin's Girdle. Here visitors are shown the ancient willows from which Moses is said to have cut his rod. The first part of the ascent of Ras el-Safsaf (6542ft/1994 m) is facilitated by rock-cut steps, but the ascent beyond this is for experienced climbers only.