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| Distance: 2.5km | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate |
| Ascent: 84m |  Trailhead and Markers Gallery |
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No matter how many times we hike in Park Britannia, it seems like there’s more to discover.
This KKL park is full of all sorts of hiking trails. There are kid friendly trails like Borot and Be’erot (Cisterns and Wells). There are longer, biking trails (Shvil Einav). And there are trails that lead over ancient ruins (Tel Azeka).
Last Friday, when we needed a local, family-friendly trail, I knew just where I wanted to go: Park Britannia. There was one small trail that I’d had my eye on for a while. Shvil Ha’Elot seemed to be about 2 or 3 kilometers on the map. And I figured that if it was in Park Britannia, it was going to be good.
Not only that, but spring season is the absolute best time to visit this beautiful woodland. From our previous experience in the park, I knew that there would be flowers blossoming and a sweet scent in the air.
And I wasn’t wrong. Shvil Ha’Elot was green and glorious. The trail was easy enough for our kids, but twisty enough to keep things interesting. There were rocks and trees to climb, ancient olive presses to see, and lots and lots of colorful wildflowers.
Here’s how we hiked Shvil Ha’Elot, a 2.5 kilometer trail in Park Britannia.
New, Yet Familiar
We pulled into a large picnic ground, full of scattered picnic benches in clusters and under trees. There were bathrooms in the corner, and several trails leaving out of the spot. On that drizzly morning in late March, we were all by ourselves there. But it seemed like it would be a great place for group gatherings.
We found the black trail and got started on a path that descended into the trees.
Just as expected, wildflowers of every type blossomed along the sides of the trail. There were daisies and poppies, mustard blossoms and late blooming anemones. We saw purple irises, white carrot, and a dozen other varieties.
What we didn’t expect was just how pretty this little trail would be. The narrow pathway through the trees kept us enclosed in nature, sheltered from the elements in a world of hidden beauty.
Picnic Break
It was easy to find a place to stop on this trail. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be another patch of rocks and pine needles surrounded by wildflowers in the shade. We chose one particularly enticing picnic spot and laid out a blanket over the wet ground.
It was hard to hear the music of the birds chirping and breeze in the trees over the noise of our little boys, eager for their second breakfast. But I could imagine how silent and wonderful this place would be if I was there on my own. Instead, I enjoyed the background music of games of fetch with our border collie, kids climbing trees, and requests for more food while I sipped my coffee.
More to Explore
After breakfast, we packed up our bags and got moving again. We crossed a bridge into a cow roaming zone. As we walked, the kids found tree clusters to hide in, asparagus to pick, and bugs to examine from up close.
But mostly…the flowers. I was aware that trails change with the seasons, and I felt really lucky that we had gotten to experience this one in springtime. We walked past moss-covered rocks and overhanging trees into meadows of yellow and red blossoms. Scenery like this just makes a person feel happy.
Our kids pranced around in the fields, taking in that spring feeling.
Better in a Drizzle
As the trail turned back in the direction of the trailhead, the path began to ascend. We climbed over rocks uphill, little by little. Soon, a light drizzle began to fall, cooling off our faces as we made our way up through the trees. We zipped up our raincoats, pulled up our hoods, and kept on walking.
We passed by an old olive press and grey boulders. And the thickness of the forest around us combined with the light mist in the air made me feel like we were walking in hidden woods, a hideaway in the trees. The kids picked up sticks and fallen flowers as we walked along the trail.
Sometimes, Classic is Best
Soon, we finished up the trail and returned to the picnic area. Our little morning escape into nature wasn’t a great adventure or a climb up a mountain. Instead, it was a short, sweet, foray into a world of natural beauty, perfect in every way.
A quiet woodland filled with flowers was ours that morning. And sometimes, that’s just what you need. The Shvil Ha’Elot trail was another wonderful discovery in the network of beautiful trails at Park Britannia.
Hikers’ Notes:
Here’s what you need to know to hike Shvil Ha’Elot in Park Britannia:
- Because it is somewhat shaded, this trail is good for all seasons. Of course, it is the most beautiful in the springtime!
- Great for kids.
- Suitable for dogs.
- There are facilities at the picnic area at the start of the trail.
- Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and bring water to hike this trail.
- The trail begins and ends at a beautiful picnic ground. If not everyone in your group loves hiking, you can leave others at the trailhead to find a quiet table amongst the trees while you hike the trail. See trail marker gallery for more images.
- This trail is easy to follow. Just walk along the black trail the entire way. Use the trail marker gallery and the trail map for assistance.
- You can hike this trail in either direction. In fact, we hiked it backwards - the official beginning is where we ended.
Don’t forget to read my guide to the navigational features in this post before you hit the trail!
Trail map from Amud Anan.
Questions? Have you hiked Shvil Ha’Elot? Let’s hear about it in the comments!
