Page 17 - Holyland Magazine - 2020 Edition

Cycling around Hula Lake Park.
Insert: Cranes resting in the Hula Valley.
Photos: Itamar Grinberg
security organisation of the early 1900s, well as family bikes with up to seven seats,
established to safeguard Jewish settlements. available for hire.
The movement transitioned into the Hashomer
– now the Israel Defense Force (IDF). Visitors Where to sleep
can explore a series of rooms showcasing There are plenty of accommodation options
artefacts depicting the development of the IDF within the Yiftah region not far from Yesha
and its settlement in Israel. Fort, including guest houses, zimmers (cabins)
or hosting at Kibbutz Yiftah. For those who
Further along the trail, experience the prefer to round off the trip with an authentic
adrenaline rush of Manara Cliff, home to experience, tents can be pitched at camping
Israel’s longest cable car which runs from the sites along the route.
city of Kiryat Shmona to the Naftali region.
Cable cars have three terminals, each offering If a night of pampering sounds more appealing,
panoramic views across the Hula Valley, the book a room at the Gallion Hotel located at the
Gollan Heights and beyond. Thrill seekers entrance to Agamon Hula nature park. The
can opt to paraglide, zip line, rappel or speed stylish accommodation presents chic rooms
down the cliff in sliding carts. with views of the Hula Valley, an outdoor pool,
fine dining options and a spa. A spectacular
South of the route is Yesha Fort (Metzudat observation hot air balloon is an exclusive
Koach), a former police fortress built by attraction of the hotel – a unique opportunity
the British Mandate in the 1930s. Currently for 360-degree views across the valley and
used by the Israel Border Police, the site is mountains beyond.
home to the Metzudat Koach Memorial, in
honour of the 28 elite Palmach soldiers who Further south, near Nabi Yesha Forest, is the
died in 1948 during three separate attacks Naftali Estate, an expansive wooden house in
to capture the fort. A visitor’s centre was Ramot Naftali Moshav. Rustic rooms feature
inaugurated alongside the Reut Musuem, modern amenities, and guests can enjoy a
buffet breakfast, outdoor swimming pool and
which poignantly documents the heroic battle tours of local wineries.
of the Palmach fighters.
Hike the north on the To round off the trail, take a detour to Agamon Useful information
With any hiking trip, preparation is key. Allow
Hula – a paradise for bird lovers with over
ample time to plan and research your chosen
Israel National Trail 400 species of birds to be discovered. trail before departing and keep a map of the
Visitors can immerse within nature on a safari
route with you at all times.
wagon tour, presenting a front row view of
through the water and orchids before resting
country – a generous group of people who
From the greenery of the north to the desert sands in the south, an unparalleled birds and animals in nature, or meander Trail angels are stationed throughout the
at the cafeteria. The park also has designated
open their doors to hikers at no cost. Choose
landscape awaits you across Israel's National Trail cycling routes for different levels of rider, with to stay within a private home, on a kibbutz
mountain bikes for adults and children, as or set up camp on the lawn. Rest rooms,
internet (and sometimes food) is provided.
The view from Manara Cliff. Photo: Shutterstock
Optimum months to walk the trail are between
February and October, when warmer climates
and a reduced chance of the rain make for a
more enjoyable experience.
What to pack
• A large Thule bag
• Walking boots
• Hiking sandals
• Compass (or use the app on your phone)
• Map of the trail
• Sunscreen
• A hat & sunglasses
• A water pack tank
• Torch
• Portable charging or power bank
• Toiletries
• Tent and sleeping bag (if camping)

Useful websites:
www.natureisrael.org
www.shvilist.com (English version available)
www.theintexperience.com
www.israeltrail.net
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