Anyone hiked in Israel?

[neil_fahey]

Hi guys,

Just starting to plan a trip to Israel for next year and was after some tips on the best places to go hiking. If anyone has been there and done that, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks
Neil

[roysta]

Believe it or not the Golan Heights, under Israeli management since 1967.
Also, try this website ... www.israeltraveler.org

[neil_fahey]

Thanks for the website. Any particular trail(s) I should be checking out at Golan Heights?

[roysta]

Yes, the Golan Trail itself, 125kms of it.
Here's a website for it .. http://www.golantrail.com/

Israeli hiking is best in their winter or shoulder seasons, winter being our summer, Dec, Jan & Feb.
A month or so either side is ok too.

[neil_fahey]

Looks good. Minefields certainly aren't a hazard I thought I'd ever have to worry about while hiking! I will be there in September/October but I think I read that the spring isn't too bad?

[roysta]

I don't think you'll have to worry about minefields unless you're "seriously" off track.
But I'll be very surprised if you have anything negative to say about this area.
I think you'll find October to be a great month to visit.

[neil_fahey]

Cheers Roysta!

[sim1oz]

Hi Neil,

I haven't hiked there, but here are some more hikes to add to your list:

TRAILS
* Israel National Trail (960km north-south) - you can choose sections of interest. See http://www.israelnationaltrail.com/; http://israelnationaltrail.blogspot.com.au/; http://www.myhikeisrael.com/ The guidebook is http://www.amazon.com/Israel-National-Trail-Jerusalem-Hike/dp/9659124945
* Jerusalem Trail (40km) - described in Israel National Trail book. See http://www.jerusalemtrail.com/

RESOURCES
* Get walking – the Top 10 hikes in Israel http://www.israel21c.org/travel/get-walking-the-top-10-hikes-in-israel
* Book "Hiking in Israel - 36 of Israel's Best Hiking Routes" http://www.tobypress.com/books/hiking.htm

Hope that helps!

Enjoy,
Simone

[neil_fahey]

Excellent! Thanks Simone... My travel planning has been put on hold for the moment as I've just heard from my travel-buddy that she may not be able to come along. I'm hoping that will change, though. Much appreciated!

Cheers
Neil