Special Forces veterans reach final 100km of Lawrence of Arabia's historic route
A group of four former members of the UK Special Forces (UKSF) are on the cusp of completing an extraordinary journey – retracing the legendary route taken by TE Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, during the Arab Revolt.
After 1,000 gruelling kilometres on camelback through some of the most challenging terrain in the Middle East, they are just 100km away from reaching Aqaba.
The team is expected to arrive on Friday, and this will be the first time since 1917 that anyone has completed this historic 1,000km trek by camel.
The five volunteers will have ridden for 25 days and covered more than 50km a day using 10 camels.
The journey has been a test of endurance, determination and resilience, mirroring the hardships faced by Lawrence more than a century ago.
The journey began in Al Wajh in Saudi Arabia and followed the original 1917 route through the Well of Dathna, Bada, the Hejaz Mountains and the Nefud Desert.
From there, the team crossed into Jordan, passing through Wadi Sirhan, Bayir Fort and Ma'an before entering the breathtaking desert landscape of Wadi Rum.
The Hejaz Mountains posed one of the most formidable challenges, due to the rugged peaks and scorching deserts which tested both the riders and their camels.
Thomas Edward Lawrence was a British Army Colonel who acted as a liaison officer between the British government and the Arab tribes.
He became instrumental in rallying the Arabs against the ruling Ottoman Empire during the First World War.
In 1917, he crossed the route with his companions Sherif Nasir, Auda Abu Tayi and Nesib el Bekri.
The 2025 veterans are members of the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund (SFCBF), which supports veterans and their families who are facing illness, injury and hardship.
It also acts as a tribute to those who played a key role in the Arab Revolt.
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