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Green and pleasant land: take the trails through the verdant, fertile foothills of the Atlas Mountains
Exotic and intoxicating, yet warmly welcoming, from marvellous Marrakesh to the foothills of the mighty Atlas Mountains, Morocco is perfect for exploring on foot.
The timeless landscapes of Morocco are the perfect new addition to Inntravel’s philosophy of Slow Holidays. Each holiday includes stays in authentic accommodation in Marrakesh, and also in quiet, unspoilt countryside. And although most of the holidays are self-guided, a selection of walks with a personal local guide are included to help you get behind the clichés to discover the real Morocco – although there is ample opportunity to explore at your own pace, too.
The accommodation on offer is hand-picked by Inntravel and typically authentic, with nods to indulgence and the comforts of home.
On a seven-night “Cascades, Souks & Spices” holiday, you’ll take in panoramic vistas, view a natural limestone bridge, walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs (literally) and swim in a pool beneath a waterfall. Guests are also treated to a cooking demonstration, having first helped to shop for spices in a nearby souk (market), and
And what trails. There are many gorgeous walks through idyllic landscapes, traditional villages and green river valleys.
The charm of Morocco lies in the many different aspects of the country on offer, even on a short break: the hectic rhythms of the cities; the cool calm of the riads (houses or palaces with interior courtyard gardens); the organised chaos of thesouks; and the silent beauty of the Atlas Mountains and their foothills. The good news is you have the chance to combine any and all on a choice of six self-guided walking holidays from Inntravel.
The Kasbah Timdaf, in the Atlas foothills, for example, is a Berber farm and self-styled eco-lodge. Everything was built, hewn, woven and forged locally from scratch, including the remarkable stone hammam (bathhouse). The result is a stylish combination of North African authenticity with a healthy dose of Gallic flair. A wonderful base while exploring the area, there are plenty of quiet corners within the Kasbah’s enchanting gardens to relax with a book, or soak up a magnificent sunset against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains after a day on the trails.
The holiday includes a stay in a traditional riad in Marrakesh, where a half-day orientation tour will help you decide which of the many cultural sights to investigate further.
For an even more immersive experience, try the Douar Samra in Tamatert. It is built from traditional bricks of packed earth and stone, the floors are covered with woven grass mats and the walls hung with tapestries. Be warned: there is no electricity so the rooms are warmed by open fires and lit after dark by candles and lanterns.
The authentic dinners are prepared by the villagers themselves and you could not wish for a more Moroccan experience; just pack some good tales to share under the stars.
Not far away is the Tamatert Pass, which winds steeply uphill through ancient pine woods. The lush green vegetation of the valley floor gradually gives way to a landscape of red rocks. From the top, at more than 6,000ft, there are incredible views into the valleys far below.
The scenery is always impressive in this region, with North Africa’s highest mountain, the 13,671ft Djebel Toubkal, providing a spectacular backdrop. You can stay at Douar Samra as part of an 11-night, three-centre “Into the High Atlas” holiday.
Easier walking holiday options are in the Ouirgane Valley, where routes take guests past peach and orange groves, dotted with settlements, and where the land is still worked largely in the traditional ways. You’ll become accustomed to farmers stopping their work to say hello.
Once again, individual walkers may benefit from a local guide, who will organise a picnic lunch and let you set the pace. The Ouirgane Valley can be explored on a seven-night, two-centre “Through the Foothills” holiday.
So, if you are looking for an adventure, with excellent accommodation and seamless travel arrangements, don’t follow Bob Hope and Bing Crosby on the road to Morocco; go with Inntravel instead.
For more information about relaxing walking holidays, go to www.inntravel.co.uk
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