Toubkal

4 October 2022

Today was one of the highlights so far on this trip.

We set off early before sunrise, up through the valley towards the pass leading to Mount Toubkal. The sunrise came up over the lake and spread across the mountains - amazing.

Steadily climbing, we followed the mule track before branching off from the track to the Tizi n'Ouanoums pass and veered right to climb Toubkal Wix at 4030m. Parts of this climb were covered in snow from the previous night and the views were unbelievable. We then climbed up to the summit of Mount Toubkal at 4167km in the sun of the afternoon with clear visibility right across the Atlas Mountains. It was brilliant to be able to see the whole of the trek from this vantage point. Rashid and I were alone on the summit and able to enjoy the views and a quick picnic before a group joined us.

We took our time descending stopping off for a tea on the way at a shrine; a special pilgrim place for a small specific muslim group. We reached the refuge and the business of the trekking world where I camped for the evening.

Here I met Nick Wildman, from Trident Adventures. www.tridentadventure.com; who leads bespoke groups through life changing experiences which include treks in the mountains. Inspiring work.