The 2nd edition of our Jordan book was published in summer 2008. Info on a number of new climbs and treks was received just after the publisher's deadline, plus we added more on our spring 2008 & 9 visits, and some GPS points. We include them here, and in the following pages, working through Jordan, from north to south (trekking info is minimal, due to space limitations).

Any info received in the future that is relevant to this book will be posted on these 'Jordan-update' pages for the benefit of our readers.

The Al Ayoun District
We were invited to join the Abraham Path Initiative in spring 2009, to further develop the Ayoun area (just north of Ajloun) to enhance the district's potential for eco and adventure tourism. Assisted by the local people who are very keen to promote this quiet and beautiful part of Jordan, we spent a wonderful three weeks doing exactly that and in the process made many new friends in the villages as well as discovering numerous unique treks, some excellent limestone cliffs, and a pothole.
Most treks are single day, some are 2 days and take the walker down though various eco-systems, from Meditteranean-climate hilltop villages to Pella and the sub-tropical Jordan valley. A few are in thickly forested valleys, a truly special experience in Jordan.Most importantly, visitors have the opportunity to meet and stay wil the local people, and to hire them as guides should they wish - always worthwhile for their good company and local knowledge.
We were there again in spring 2010 and 11 as guests of the Ayoun Community who now run the project themselves, completing work on a guidebook to Treks and Climbs, to be published in 2012, sponsored by Ruwwad and the Community. Meanwhile, if you would like to experience some of the new treks and climbs and enjoy a homestay in the villages, contact Mohammed abu Ibrahim, head of Al Ayoun Tourism Project. More info in TGO (Great Outdoors Mag), Nov 2009.

Top left: Zubia Forest Trail, one of the new delightful forest walks in Ayoun.

Centre left: Trek to the 'Jesus Cave', a varied trek though valleys and over hills, particularly beautiful in spring.

bottom left : A new trek to Pella following one of the many pretty valleys down from Ayoun.

Right: Two of the new climbs on the many new quality limestone cliffs discovered in the Ayoun Disrict.