Ajloun Woodland Reserve

The Ajloun Highlands are refreshingly cool (well, everything is relative) compared to furnaces of Petra and Wadi Rum.

The Ajloun Woodland Reserve was set up in 1988 to protect some fine forests, and is also a reserve for roe dear, wild boar, jackals, hyenas and wolves. These include deciduous and evergreen oak, the beautiful-barked wild strawberry and pistachio trees.

The reserve is tiny 13 sq. km so you are likely to encounter traditional farmland of olives, vines, fruit and almond trees with crops growing in between.

The views toward the Jordan valley and the West Bank/Israel are magnificent, which cannot always be said for the power line that crosses the reserve.

There is an excellent range of walks available, including the following. Go in March of the first half of April if you can; the weather is comfortable and the wildflowers gorgeous.

• The 2km scenic Viewpoint Trail, an easy trail through good forest and with excellent views (so it should).
• The Prophet's Trail, a real gem, 8km of good walking passing through orchards, forest, farmland then open woodland to the hilltop site of Mar Elias, said to be Elijah's birthplace and home to the remains to two Byzantine churches. You can then carry on for another 9km to the fabulous Ajloun Castle. 4 hours for each leg, although this can take less. Guide required.
• The 12 hr Orchards Trail, described in Cicerone.
• The 8 km Rockrose Trail.