Mountains For Memories: The Trek To Mount Toubkal
Published on 02 October 2024 10:43 AM
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Earlier this month, a group of four intrepid adventurers made their way from Gatwick to Marrakech to take part in a huge challenge for Age UK Plymouth, to summit Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains.
After arriving in the mountain village of Imlil, the team enjoyed Moroccan mint tea, stocked up on supplies, and began their ascent. The temperature was around 26 degrees and at, first, the trail was gentle as they winded through wooded areas, passing through waterfalls and local homes. But as the altitude increased, so did the challenge.
As the group arrived, the smiles grew bigger and the hiking boots were quickly kicked off. The refuge had no power initially, so after some very cold showers and changing under the light of their head torches the refuge lit up, just in time for a huge, calorie filled, delicious dinner. The group ate and shared their experiences of the challenge so far including how they were feeling with the altitude, which for a few, was proving difficult.
After little to no sleep, which many put down to the choir of donkeys outside, the entire group were raring (maybe a little excessive) to go, setting off at 03:50, in the dark and wearing their head torches. The temperature had dropped and the incline steep and loose underfoot. There was some scrambling required and sheer rocks to battle but, with some words of encouragement and pure dedication, they continued up the mountain, just one step at a time.
The stars lit up the sky, along with the head torches from groups in the distance, highlighting the path and ridge ahead. As the sun began to rise and the mountain peaks lit up, smiles began to grow. Then it appeared... a flat place to rest.
The most welcome rest spot with the most beautiful view of the sunrise, rays bouncing off the peaks, the purple and orange sky and views of the valley below, with only 100 metres to go, the peak of Mount Toubkal was in sight.
One hundred metres later and with tears of joy, the team took their last steps before placing their hands on the famous pyramid shaped monument at the summit of Mount Toubkal, what an acomplishment!
“I had such a relief when I reached the top, the guides were wonderful and made us feel special and I couldn’t have been prouder of everyone I summited with.”
With hugs, tears and photos out of the way, it was time to descend. This is where things really got tough with the first few hours trekking back to the refuge proving to be a real challenge. Tara said “This was the worst part for me, the path was loose and I fell several times, thankfully we were all okay, even after the falls. But, this is when we could actually see the full route we had climbed earlier this morning, how long it was and how steep!”
“Reaching the top of the mountain with the group was incredible, it was so euphoric.”
After some much-needed help and a slow pace, the group made it back to the refuge for lunch and to change into their warm weather kit, with the temperatures certainly heating up by this point.
After eleven hours of walking, the entire group made it back safely to the end point, or the start point from the day before.
“Seeing the van at the end point was the best part for me, knowing I had completed the challenge and made it back safely was the best feeling.”
With a huge sense of relief and some much needed leg stretches, the team posed for their final photos together, before heading back to the Riad in Marrakesh for a long-awaited shower.
After the challenge, the group were feeling the physical efforts of their accomplishment, they stated their legs and feet were sore, muscles were aching and climbing down the stairs was tough. But, they are all so proud of themselves, particularly whilst raising money for charity.
Tara Dale, Head of Fundraising and a member of the challenge team, described the event as a "fun, short challenge," but emphasized the real difficulties involved. "Everyone has their own battles," she explained, noting that some struggled with the lack of facilities, while others worried about physically completing the challenge safely. Despite these obstacles, Tara expressed how proud the charity is of everyone who took part and how grateful they are for the support in raising money for Plymouth’s vulnerable.
Do You Fancy A Challenge?
Perhaps to take you out of your comfort zone, to try something new, to tick something off your bucket list? Then why not sign up for our Everest Base Camp trip coming up in November 2025?