1/9/14 We departed Carver Barracks for London Stansted in taxis at 1300 hrs and took off from London for Marrakesh at 1800 hrs arriving at Marrakesh for 2130 hrs. Immigration control was slow but we were met by Moroccan officials awaiting a UK military contingent for the expedition, so the team was ushered to ‘fastrack’ immigration clearance. We arrived at the Riad Hotel Assia, Marrakesh.
2/9/14 Day one of expedition. Final preparations and administration was conducted by the group in Marrakesh before departing again for the Atlas region at 1100 hrs. The bus climbed gradually up to 1600m through traditional mountain settlements to Aguersioual village by 1300. The group were received by the muleteer party who had prepared salad, bread, pasta, and mint tea for lunch. The Moroccan military contingent arrived 1445 hrs. The mules were then prepared to begin the venture. The trek got under way at 1555 hrs along a narrow dirt track over the mountain for approximately 4 km into Amskarrou village (2000m) located north-east of Aguersioual. Amskarrou was a traditional Berber mountain village, which felt like it had not changed for generations - we were the only outsiders visiting that village.
3/9/14 A concurrent expedition was launched to reach ‘the’ village toilet/chasm before departure at 0900 hrs for Oukaϊmeden, a Moroccan Army training area and ski resort. A hard early climb with hot conditions began the hike with the group becoming spread out with differing speeds on the unfamiliar terrain. The team rested at the top of the pass into Oukaϊmeden valley before descending into the valley and Oukaϊmeden village (2700m). The Moroccans and UK military were already interacting more with much banter and conversation.
4/9/14 We departed Oukaϊmeden at 0930 hrs with a relatively easy move along the valley floor losing altitude throughout the day. We moved through a number of traditional settlements along tracks into Tamguist, handrailing the mountain into Azib Amguedoul (2300m). The camp was a small grassed terrace set into the hill overlooking Ouanesekra and Tacheddirt kasbahs. The Moroccans held a singing/drumming session during evening which the team were keen to get involved with.
5/9/14 Easy day on the route which was mostly flat with a large proportion on metalled track. Clear and warm conditions throughout so far. Very light rain for a few minutes on the pass down into next valley. We descended into Aremd/Around (1945m) via Tamatert and Targa Imoula villages. We arrived at our new campsite in the river bed at 1300 hrs. A number of individuals have suffered illness which is possibly due to altitude or more probably dietary change. Moroccans sourced chicken from village for group after nicknaming one UK member ‘chicken’ and eating in his honour!!
6/9/14 A cold start moving up the river bed towards the holy shrine of Sidi Chammarouch. We followed the river along the mountain to the shrine, an uncharacteristic white rock refuge inhabited by a holy Muslim hermit. Non access to non-muslims was ignored by the Moroccan soldiers and we were abruptly expelled by an elder. After a swift tea and rest stop we continued along the trail to the refuge at the base of the Toubkal range of the High Atlas. We set camp at 3200m below the Club Alpine Francais (CAF) and Les Mouflons shelters.
7/9/14 The aim was to summit Timeguida (4089m) to the west of the range. The route was a gradual ascent mostly on loose scree summiting at 1030 hrs. Excellent views to south of Sahara and Anti-Atlas at the pass before turning west to summit. Cold and exposed on summit. The team divided, with some individuals summiting Rasouanouerim to the north (4083m) by 1130 hrs. Three individuals were unable to summit due to illness, turning back after half an hour of ascent.
8/9/14 Early reveille to summit Jebel Toubkal via a South to North traverse of the mountain. Initial straightforward ascent on loose scree in cold and still dark, but clear and warm on top, summiting at 1030hrs. Excellent views in all directions. Photos with Moroccan army counterparts with much jubilation. We departed the summit an hour later at 1130 hrs. A relatively difficult descent ensued having to negotiate loose scree on steep ground with sheer rock faces. Reverse scrambling was required at points. The group rested at the base of Imouzzer (4010m) with a number of individuals summiting this at 1215hrs. The expedition leader, Capt Matt Hilton, SSgt Tim Edwards and LCpl Jonathan Adams also summited Tibheirine (3887m) to the north west. The remainder of the group continued to descend the pass due west between Toubkal and Imouzzer.
9/9/14 The expedition began the return leg to Imlil today. The group began ascending towards Aguelzim. One individual was unable to continue through ankle injury, and was taken a more direct route to Imlil. The group summited Aguelzim North (3547m) at 1100hrs followed by a challenging descent on the western side. Camp was setup at 1400 hrs at Azib Tamsoult (2350m) in a small compound with three rooms, toilet and a kitchen. The group unanimously opted to camp on the roof of the compound without tents.
10/9/14 The final day returning to Imlil. A long descent into Imlil with ninety-four switchbacks into valley floor! We continued through Imlil to a trekking hostel arriving at 1330 hrs with comfortable 2 man/3 man rooms with terrace roof. A pleasant afternoon was spent relaxing with fellow Moroccan soldiers in a café overlooking the town.
11/9/14 The baggage was packed for move back to Marrakesh. Farewells made to Moroccan hosts.
J Adams, Lcpl, CJSU.
