Product Review

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.