Walk above the Todra

What it is

A walking loop above the Todra narrows: you climb from the bottom of the canyon to the plateau that surrounds it, walk among rocks and shepherd tracks, pass Berber families who live in a traditional way with their flocks, and come back down to the gorge to close the circle. You see the canyon from above, the Tinghir palm grove to the south and the High Atlas mountains to the north.

The route, step by step

1. Start. From the car parks just past the narrows, cross to the other side and look for the steps that climb the hillside.
2. Climb. The first stretch is the hardest: a steep climb among loose stones until you leave the canyon.
3. Plateau. At the top, the path follows shepherds' tracks among rock and scrub. You pass Berber families who live with their livestock.
4. Views. In several places you look over the edge and see the narrows at your feet.
5. Descent. The path describes a circle and drops back down towards the gorge, along which you walk back to the car park.

Allow three to four hours in total. There are demanding stretches, but anyone who is fit and used to mountain walking does it without trouble. The exact distance and climb depend on the variant the guide takes.

Waymarking: better with a guide

The paths are not waymarked and shepherds' tracks cross in all directions. There are maps of the loop on apps such as Komoot, but the most sensible thing is to go with a local guide: they know the good variant depending on the state of the terrain, avoid the exposed stretches and introduce you to the families you pass. Your accommodation can find you a guide from the village, also if you sleep in the gorge, at Dar Ayour or Auberge Le Festival; there are also guided excursions of three and five hours that can be booked online. Agree price, duration and route beforehand.

When to go

Spring and autumn. In summer set off at dawn: there is no shade up top and the midday heat is strong. In winter the days are good for walking, but it dawns cold and gets dark early; finish in daylight.

Do not do it if there are storms in the Atlas or it has rained a lot: the stones are slippery and the river at the bottom can rise suddenly.

What to bring

• Mountain boots or trainers with a good sole: there is loose stone.
• Plenty of water, at least a litre and a half per person: there are no springs up top.
• A hat, sunglasses and sun cream.
• Something to eat.
• A few dirhams if you want to buy something or have a tea with the families.

With children, teenagers and a dog

For fit teenagers it is a good adventure. For small children, no: the climb is steep and there are unprotected edges. With a dog it is possible, if it is used to the mountains and you carry water for it; bear in mind the flocks and the sheepdogs.

If the weather changes

If it clouds over above the Atlas or begins to rain, do not carry on: go back the way you came up or ask the guide for the shortest descent. If you get lost, do not go down ravines: retrace your steps to a known point. The Gendarmerie's emergency number in rural areas is 177.