Going to the wall
Get a grip: climbing the walls in Wadi Rum, Jordan
[ AMMAN ]
THE RED STONE MOUNTAINS rising out of the desert in the film Lawrence of Arabia make a compelling case. Jordan is a popular destination for climbers, with over 300 routes to suit all levels of experience.
With the summer heat cooling down, and the days still long enough to take advantage of, autumn is perhaps the best time to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to take excursions guided by local climbing specialists. Companies such as Jordan Beauty Tours offer eight-day climbing round-trips from the capital Amman.
The week-long excursions are perhaps the best way to see all that Jordan has to offer. The majority of trips take you hiking over hills, climbing up boulders, slipping through ravines and around the inspiring World Heritage site of Petra.
And for those visitors who wish to give their climbing fingers a rest, there are plenty of opportunities to bathe in cooling pools and lakes, especially at the climbing hotspot that is Wadi Rum. Matthew Priest An eight-day climbing trip (excluding flights) costs £528 per person. +962 3 215 4 999, www.jordanbeauty.com
