Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum, Jordan

by Tony Howard

Wadi Rum is tucked away in the south of Jordan, close to the Red Sea port of Aqaba, remote and splendid in both landscape and culture, yet only a five-hour flight and a short onward journey from Europe.It was brought to the world's attention by Lawrence of Arabia, and the subsequent film of that name was responsible for the author's visit with a team of climbing friends in 1984. Thus began the exploration of Wadi Rum for rock climbing and trekking, with the approval and encouragement of the local Bedouin who have lived and climbed in this desert and mountain region for generations.The first edition of this guide published in 1987 contained about 140 routes. Since then the number of climbs has doubled. Here are detailed descriptions and 'topos' of all the known routes to date, from short walks, camel treks and 4-WD journeys through to sports climbs and major 'big walls' of the highest technical difficulty.Additionally the author gives information on sites of antiquity, flora and fauna and life with the Bedouin.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Founder and ex-Director of Troll, one of the world's leading brands of climbing equipment from 1965 to 1995 when the company was successfully sold. During this period was the designer at Troll, largely responsible for the world's first sewn slings and harnesses for climbers. Tony was also an Ex-Outward Bound, National Mountain centre and Mountaineering Association Instructor and British Mountaineering Council Guide. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Outdoor Writers' Guild member. Participant in the 1998 British Government DTI Tourism Trade Mission to Oman and Yemen. Invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace in 2012 "for those involved in Exploration and Adventure".

Over 60 years experience of rock climbing, mountaineering, caving, river, sea, jungle and desert travel. First ascents in the UK, Norway, Greenland, Canada, the Middle East and N. Africa, including the Troll Wall, Europe's biggest rock face (see publications). Opened a new trail through remote mountain villages in Nagaland on the India-Burma border with Di Taylor, and helped with trail development in Manas National Park in Bodoland, also in N E India.

Photos and articles published in UK and International press and specialist magazines. TV coverage in Jordan, Norway and the U.K. Radio coverage in the UK, Jordan and Oman. Wrote the Intro to the 2003 Edition of the classic W C Slingsby's guide to Norway, The Northern Playground. Received Geographical Award (1999) from Royal Geographical Society, on behalf of Troll Climbing Equipment, for design and supply of expedition equipment. Featured with Di Taylor in BBC series 'The Face' about the discovery and development of Wadi Rum.

Author of various climbing guide books to England and Norway and four guides to trekking, climbing, canyoning and caving in Jordan. Contributed to 'Rock Climbing in Oman' by Alec MacDonald and to the Egypt, Jordan and India Rough Guides. Joint author with Di Taylor of 'Walks in Palestine with The Nativity Trail'. Author of three books, the award winning 'Troll Wall' also 'Adventures in the Northlands' and Tony's autobiography, 'Quest into the Unknown'.

In the late 1990s, Tony and Di had the original idea for what became in 2016 the 650km Jordan Trail. From 2000, they worked with Mark Khano of Experience Jordan for a number of years until the Jordan Trail Association was formed to further develop and promote it.

2018 Climber ran a full page story on Tony as one of their Living Legends series.

Reviews

[Cory Donavon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good guidebook. Not much information on the routes and very few images and maps overall; however, the images that were included were exciting. Might be nice to have real images of each wall and layout, as well as additional images of specific routes. Information included approach and descent, gear beta and some brief history, including first ascensionists and year. I appreciated the travel considerations and the brief history of the Bedouin.

Overall a decent guidebook, but it could use additional information.