Israel National Trail Part 3: Arad to Tel Aviv

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Photo ofIsrael National Trail Part 3: Arad to Tel Aviv

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John P

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Trail stats

Distance: 176.98 mi
Elevation gain: 15,502 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy
Elevation loss: 17,487 ft
Max elevation: 2,792 ft
TrailRank: 61
Min elevation: 3 ft
Trail type: One Way

Coordinates: 8571
Uploaded: April 1, 2020
Recorded: January 2010

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near Arad, Southern District (Israel)

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Itinerary description

The section of the Israel National Trail (Shvil Israel) from the town of Arad to Tel Aviv includes forests, rolling hills, meandering rivers and agricultural land. In March I walked through fields of red anemones and many other flowers. There are many historic and archaeological sites especially with a side trip to Jerusalem (the trail passes through its outer suburbs). I have documented the trip in my blog (https://johnponint.blogspot.com/2020/01/israel-national-trail-plans-and.html), and attached is the route I walked, including diversions off trail to collect groceries, for accommodation and to visit ancient remains. This is part 3 of my route, part 2 is at https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/israel-national-trail-part-2-mitzpe-ramon-to-arad-48115884 , part 4 is at https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/israel-national-trail-part-4-tel-aviv-to-dan-48225810 .
If you are thinking of walking the Israel National Trail please buy the guidebook ("Israel National Trail: Hike the land of Israel" available from amazon.co.uk). With detailed maps it assists navigation and gives the background on sights you pass, without which you will miss the significance of some heap of stones.

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Waypoints

Arad

Arad is a town that marks the end of the desert section of the E4 and the start of a much greener forested and agricultural landscape.

Blocked by construction

The official route was blocked by construction work on some kind of flyover. I deviated around the work.

Bus stop 19 bus for Jerusalem

This bus stop is a convenient point to break your hike and spend a few days in Jerusalem. A city holy to three religions with a lot of history and important sites to visit, as well as some interesting markets, restaurants , cafes, bars and city life. A source of simmering conflict I took a "dual narrative" tour that gave both Jewish and Palestinian viewpoints. It is also easy to visit Bethlehem on a tour from Jerusalem. I stayed at the Abraham hostel which I would recommend.

Photo ofRiverside park on the north side of Tel Aviv

Riverside park on the north side of Tel Aviv

A park extends the length of the Yarkon river from where it enters the urban area surrounding Tel Aviv until the sea. A popular area with some stalls selling refreshments, an artificial climbing area, an outdoor gym, a lake and an arena.

Latrun Fortress

According to the guidebook, these are remains of a 12th century Crusader fortress, although I could find no interpretive signs on the site.

Ein Kobi Camping Site

There is an area for camping at this picnic site in addition to the main feature, which is an underground water cistern trapping spring water. There are steps down into it that you can explore. No doubt it was once used to provide water for irrigating the terraces now covered with forest.

Har Amasa

This is a small settlement in the hills.

Mazor Mausoleum

This is a Roman Mausoleum from the 4th century AD in pretty good condition. Later it became a holy site for Muslims.

Latrun Monastery

A Trappist monastery, the buildings dating from 1890. I visited the simple church and the shop, which sells wine among other things.

Mosaics at Church of St Bacchus

Remains of a Byzantine church with a mosaic floor.

Petrol Station and Amphitheatre at Beit Guvrin

Beit Guvrin has Roman remains, closed when I passed by as it was late in the day, and also a Petrol station with a convenience store offering coffee and refreshments.

Petrol Station on Highway 6

Petrol station with convenience store beside a busy highway. Welcome place to stop for a coffee.

Petrol Station on Industrial Estate

Petrol station with convenience store and cafe. Welcome stop for refreshment opposite Nestle factory.

Petrol Station on Route 38

Petrol station with convenience store. A welcome stop for a coffee.

Philip farms

Location of Trail Angel who let me camp there. It is some way off the Trail however.

Pillbox

A pillbox beside the railway line, built by the British when they held the Mandate for Palestine to protect the railway from saboteurs.

Sansana hikers hut

Superlative hiker's accommodation in a hut built in memory of a local lad who died when backpacker in the Far East. The lady who looks after it was very hospitable, as the whole of Sansana village seems to be.

Tel Arad ruins

At Tel Arad there are the ruins of a Bronze Age Canaanite village and a fortress from the Iron Age Kingdom of Judea.

Tel Lakish ruins

Remains of fortified town of Tel Lakish and its palace, which date back to the Kingdom of Judea. The town was overrun by the Assyrians and later by the Babylonians.

Tel Socoh ruins

Tel Socoh was one of the cities of Judea from the Iron Age but little remains. There are however wild lupins and the hill is a popular place for people to visit. I enjoyed an orange juice and something like a tortilla at the stalls by the car park.

Yarkon River

The track follows this incredibly. winding river. The multiple meanders mean it takes a long time to get anywhere. When I walked along in in March it was extremely muddy in places especially where the trail went under major roads.

Yarkon National Park Overnight Campground

I had trouble spotting this night camp when I walked past (in the rain), go to https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/israeltrail/viewtopic.php?p=2818#p2818 for more details of its location. It is by the Tel Afek fortress nut not inside its fence.

Yishpro shopping centre

This shopping area has a petrol station and some cafes by its entrance. A good place to pause for a coffee.

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