A trek to the top of the highest peak in North Africa is this year’s big fundraising adventure challenge being organised by The Children’s Centre. A group of 18 fundraisers will set off for Morocco next week with the aim of climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal in Morocco. Twelve of the party leave from Isle of Man Airport on Wednesday October 15, with the other six making their own way to Morocco.
The top of Mount Toubkal stands at 4,167metres (around 13,600 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views across the Atlas Mountains. Trekkers will fly from London Heathrow to Marrakech, with day one of the trip being a transfer by road to the tiny village of Imlil. The walking begins on the following day with a four to five hour hike through the foothills and along the Ait Mizane Valley up to the Toubkal Refuge at a height of 3,206metres. Day three starts early as the trekkers make their attempt to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal via the South Col route. There will be plenty of time to admire the views at the top and for the team to take photos to record their achievement. On day four the walkers head down the mountain to Imlil and then a transfer to Marrakech, one of the most fascinating cities on earth, where the trekkers will get the chance to marvel in the sights and sounds and explore the labyrinth of souks before relaxing with a well-earned celebratory meal. The following morning they will return to Gatwick and then the Isle of Man.
Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator at The Children’s Centre, said: “I took part in a recce for the trek last year and the views on the climb and at the summit of the surrounding peaks, hazy desert and of Marrakech, are fantastic. It will be a fantastic adventure for everyone, but most importantly it will raise around ?13,000 for our charitable projects for families and children. We must say a big thank you to everyone who has signed-up for the trek, and everyone who has sponsored them.”
Photo - Views taken by Mark Eastham during a recce of the trek to the top of Mount Toubkal.
