Walk to Aroumd

What it is

Aroumd (also written Aremd or Armed) is the Berber mud-brick village that hangs above the Aït Mizane valley, above Imlil. Its stone and mud houses step up the slope, with terraced fields and walnut trees below and the Toubkal mountains behind. It is the first village on the normal route to Toubkal, and for anyone not going up to the summit it is the easiest and most rewarding excursion from Imlil.

The route, step by step

1. Imlil (1,740 m). Leave the village up the valley by the mule track that goes towards Toubkal. If your accommodation is in the upper part, like the Kasbah du Toubkal, you start with part of the climb already done.
2. The climb. The path climbs at a gentle gradient between walnut trees and terraced fields, with the river below. There is a steeper stretch with loose stone.
3. Aroumd. In about an hour you reach the village. Cross its alleys with respect: it is an inhabited village, not a film set. There are terraces and guesthouses where you can have a tea with a view of the valley.
4. Return. Go back the same way, or ask a guide to take you by another path among the terraces.

Allow two to three hours round trip, with tea. It is an easy route for anyone who walks, also with children used to it.

Independently or with a guide

You can go independently as far as Aroumd: the path is clear and runs along the valley floor. Local sources place the Toubkal National Park guide checkpoint past Aroumd, on the way to Sidi Chamharouch. If you want to go further, you need an accredited guide. A local guide is also worthwhile even if you don't go further: they introduce you to people in the village and show you the ways back among the terraces.

When to go

From April to June and in September and October. In summer the valley is cool, but go early: the climb is in the sun. In autumn the walnut trees change colour. In winter there may be snow on the path; with snow, go with a guide.

What to bring

• Mountain trainers or light boots.
• Water and something to eat.
• A hat and sun cream.
• Dirhams for the tea.

With children and a dog

With children who walk it works very well: an hour's climb, a reward on arrival and a downhill return. With a pushchair you cannot: it is a mule track. With a baby carrier, yes. With a dog, you can, but on the path you will meet loaded mules: always step aside on the mountain side.

Watch out for mules

The path is the valley's and the refuge's service route. When you hear mules, stand on the mountain side, never the precipice side, and let them pass.