HIGHLANDER Cedrus 2026 – Chnaniir Edition

August 25, 2026
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HIGHLANDER Cedrus – Chnaniir Edition marks the first time HIGHLANDER has taken place in Keserwan following previous editions in North Lebanon over the past two years.

This year, HIGHLANDER Cedrus returned in a special one day hiking format part of Chnaniir Festival bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, hiking communities and adventure lovers for a full day in nature.

The event took place on Saturday August 22 2026 with participants completing a moderate trail through the mountains of Keserwan starting from Chahtoul, passing through Hiyata, Eghbe, Dlebta and finishing at Château Rweiss in Chnaniir.

The idea behind the one day edition was simple: to spend a Saturday differently and live HIGHLANDER experience!

Participants came together not only to hike but to reconnect with nature, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts and challenge themselves.

The event represented a personal challenge: a chance to step outside their comfort zone, test their endurance and accomplish something they had been preparing for.

Participants on the trail - Photo Spyro Klitira — Participants on the trail – Photo Spyro Klitira

At the same time, it was about coming together again as a community after a year of preparation and anticipation.

Participants arrived early in the morning (6:30am) for check in, received their HIGHLANDER kits (Bibs…) and prepared for the start.

The trail was designed as an experience rather than simply a route from point A to point B.

Along the way, participants passed through hidden gems, amazing sceneries in Keserwan and several checkpoints where they received trail stamps, marking their progress and encouraging them to keep going until they reached the final checkpoint at the finish line.

The trail also included several refreshment and recovery points providing participants with water, fruits, snacks and opportunities to recharge throughout the hike.

The event brought together several hiking communities and outdoor groups who joined the experience as part of a shared passion for nature, adventure and the outdoors.

The presence of these communities added a strong social element to the day with participants supporting and motivating each other throughout the trail.

Trail buddies - Photo Spyro Klitira — Trail buddies – Photo Spyro Klitira

Participant safety remained a priority throughout the event.

The Lebanese Red Cross/Lebanese Army were present/involved as part of the event’s safety and medical support.

Additionally a dedicated medical and first-aid team including physiotherapy support was positioned across main areas of the event from the starting point and checkpoints to the finish line to assist participants whenever needed.

This ensured that participants could take on the challenge with the necessary safety and support throughout the day.

The adventure came to a finish at Château Rweiss in Chnaniir where the atmosphere shifted from challenge to celebration.

After completing the trail, participants crossed the finish line and received their HIGHLANDER finisher kit including their certificate, pin… marking the completion of their challenge.

The finish area became a celebration of the day’s achievement with music, photographs, celebrations and a strong community atmosphere as participants celebrated reaching the end of the trail.

Finish Line celebrations - Photo Spyro Klitira — Finish Line celebrations – Photo Spyro Klitira

The finish line was not simply the end of the hike…it was the moment participants could look back at everything they had accomplished throughout the day.

This year’s HIGHLANDER Chnaniir Edition was about more than kilometres and elevation.

It was about challenging yourself, reconnecting with nature and reconnecting with others.

After the journey through Keserwan, participants arrived at Chnaniir having shared the same trail, the same challenges and ultimately the same feeling of achievement.