.. ..
| Post details |
Post (Contract pics) |
| Ah, Mr Jackill, yo.. by kernowclimber (Show all posts) |
| I'm wrong, I might.. by jackill (Show all posts) |
| The final section .. by csd (Show all posts) |
kernowclimber
2010-05-27 15:34:39
|
Jebel Toubkal climb, Morocco
Mcrtchly and I have just returned from a successful assault on the summit of Jebel Toubkal which at 4,167m (13,671 ft) is the highest point in N. Africa. We drove from Marrakech and stayed overnight in the Berber village of Tamatert before setting off early the next day from Imlil where there is secure carparking.
We did not hire porters, mules or a guide, preferring to go it alone with the aid of a 1:50.000 map covering Toubkal by Orientazion and a GPS. We planned to tackle this over 2 days and each carried full winter climbing kit, down sleeping bag, water, food etc. which just about fitted into a 35 litre daypack. The climb up to the refuge (3,207m) where we were to overnight takes about 6-7 hrs without mules and a little longer if you stop for any length of time at Sidi Chamharouch. The trail was rough and dusty and very busy with mules rushing by urged on by impatient porters. You have to be careful to get out of their way quickly as I was almost knocked off the trail twice.
There are 2 huts to choose from for an overnight stay - the Refuge de Toubkal (run by the CAF) and the newer Mouflon Refuge. We chose the latter and had booked a private room (rather than the dorm) which was not expensive. This consisted of a double bunk bed with blankets and pillows. Hot showers are available and the toilet facilities were clean if basic. Hot meals can be arranged and there is a shop well stocked with water and snacks. We brought our own dried food and plenty of hot water was obtainable in the porters' kitchen. Lights-out is at 9.30pm; we had a very warm and comfortable night's sleep here.
We were told crampons weren’t necessary. Quite apart from the lack of proper mountaineering equipment, I just couldn't believe the clothing and footwear some people had on: sneakers, denim jeans, thin cotton jackets and most were not carrying any spare provisions or clothing. Enough said.
In the cold chill of sunrise we followed a thin thread of climbers moving slowly up the snow and ice covered South Cwm route. After almost 4 hrs climbing we reached the triangular summit marker. We had the summit entirely to ourselves for about 10 minutes and shared an emotional moment taking in the magnificence of our surroundings: ravens soared over snow capped mountains that towered over rocky valleys with frigid waterfalls clinging to their sides, beyond which lay wave after wave of jagged brown peaks sweeping down to the Saharan Plateaus. 8,000 ft below lay Imlil where we had to descend that day.
The descent to the refuge took about 2hrs. 21kms and 8,000ft descent in 8 hours carrying a 12 kilo pack was gruelling, but we were relieved not to have suffered from the effects of altitude and would recommend this mountain to fit hill walkers looking for a slightly different challenge set amid magnificent mountain scenery. The experienced need not hire a guide as the trails are well signed and the abovementioned map is more than adequate. |
| ...thanks Paul, as.. by Conor74 (Show all posts) |
| Thanks members of .. by Himiwack (Show all posts) |
| MV members who wal.. by pdtempan (Show all posts) |
| Its come to my att.. by jackill (Show all posts) |
| I wrote a piece on.. by ahendroff (Show all posts) |
| Hi there. Thanks f.. by paulocon (Show all posts) |
..
|
|
Summit Summary
Binn Charrach: NE finger from the Twelve Bens offers a way in. |
 Collaborative entry Last edit by: simon3 16 hours ago.
Knockpasheemore (Binn Charrach) is a small summit at the end of a 2km ridge heading NE from the lower scree slopes of Benbaun, and makes a worthwhile climb either in its own right, or as a diversi... |
|
|
Summit Summary
Bencorrbeg: Shapely outlier, serious scrambling. |
 Collaborative entry Last edit by: simon3 18 hours ago.
Bencorbeg dominates views from the mouth of the Gleninagh Valley. Although only 577m, the full extent of this height is seen when the mountain is viewed from north or east, as the mountain plunges... |
|
|
|
|
|
Track
Beast of Bencorrbeg tackled from the south. |
 simon3 3 days ago.
As many others have said Bencorrbeg is a serious scrambling challenge. This track was an attempt to reach it from the ... walk, Len: 14.0km, Climb: 669m, Area: Bencorrbeg, Twelve Bens (Ireland) Benco |
|
Summit Comment
Lettershinna Hill: Grass top, distant heights. |
 simon3 3 days ago.
As paddyhillsbagger found, the Bens form a backdrop to the top of Lettershinna. This picture was taken during a generally mist covered period one May day. |
|
|
Track
Wicklow: Glenmalure to Glendalough |
Onzy 4 days ago.
Glenmalure to Glendalough viw Wicklow Way & the Spinc... walk, Len: 11.3km, Climb: 540m, Area: Dublin/Wicklow (Ireland) |
|
|
Track
The Heights of Malta |
 madfrankie 3 days ago.
When you're considering hiking trips abroad, Malta is not likely to be high on anyone's list. It's small and the human f walk, Len: 8.4km, Climb: 40m, Area: Malta, Dingli () |
|
Summit Summary
Benglenisky: Southern Bens easiest way up. |
 Collaborative entry Last edit by: simon3 3 days ago.
Driving towards Clifden along the N59, go 2km past the Benlettery Hostel and take the minor road on the right. I.5km along this, at point L750 499, there is a large space for parking on the right,... |
|
|
Track
Waterfalls Galore |
march-fixer 4 days ago.
There are two major waterfalls in Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls and Reach Falls. Reach Falls is by far the most beautiful walk, Len: 6.2km, Climb: 109m, Area: Jamaica, Portland () |
|
|
|
..
