Morocco, Hamish Brown article in TGO

[rob d 2]

Hi. We're going to Morocco in the spring, to visit my son and do a couple oft treks. We don't want to be in very busy areas - and I've trekked around Toubkal, M'goun, Sirwa and Sahro.
I recall an article in TGO maybe 10 years ago, in which Hamish opens up about a wonderful area he'd previously kept quiet about. He said he was doing this because the locals needed a little tourism to survive.
I've spoken to Hamish and he can't recall the article, but thinks it could have been about the Tichka Plateau. I bought his book, but it is more anecdotal, with less advice on, say, a 7 - 10 day trek.
TGO's editor said he'd try to find it, but he's gone quiet - away, perhaps? TGO's back issue dept can't help, unless one has the specific date.
So I wonder if anyone might recall the article, even have a copy?
If anyone has suggestions for a good trek, not too strenuous, that would be much appreciated. We thought, this time, we might use a guide and muleteer, to help the local economy?
Many thanks,
Rob

 

[cathyjc]

Ask Chris Townsend if he can help - he's been working for the TGO for a long time and might recall. ?

 

[Tartanferret]

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[edh]

This
Someone who has done (probably) that walk
and this - the book mentioned

 

[rob d 2]

Hi all,
Many thanks. Will try CT - good plan, Cathy.
The search in TGO is not working, a glitch, they say.
Ed, thanks too. Had seen the article a while back. Just ordered the book. A big issue serms to be the unavailability of maps. The joys of going to less well known areas!
Rob

 

[sherpa]

Your best bet is the Readly app - they have issues of TGO back to July 2011!

Assuming you don't already use it, there is a free one month trial subscription available....

It's a great resource, I've subscribed for a few years, works brilliantly on a ipad etc.

 

[Deek]

.I have TGOs from about 1995 to 2018 in store (yes, I am a hoarder) and vaguely remember the article you want. I kept a subscription going just for the Chris Townsend stuff but finally quit as it was was just too glossy for me.
I might be able to help, next week, if you can't source it elsewhere.

 

[rob d 2]

Thanks Deek. I used to hoard, and for a few years, photocopied the TGO indexes. But realised I never looked so them and tried to become tidier (largely failed!) so stopped.

Thanks Sherpa, too.

I'll try to contact Chris T later.

My quest for going somewhere less visited has brought another issue, too. Maps are a real problem, the government deciding to ban the publication in many areas. So for Tichka, I need the Tizi n’Test and Igli maps but the latter appears unobtainable.
Much appreciated,
Rob

 

[cathyjc]

My quest for going somewhere less visited has brought another issue, too. Maps are a real problem, the government deciding to ban the publication in many areas. So for Tichka, I need the Tizi n’Test and Igli maps but the latter appears unobtainable.
Much appreciated,
Rob

@WilliamC has a similar problem in Turkey. I know he uses Google Earth - I'm sure he would help with his experience on the "how".
Tracksterman used GE for his trip in Tian Shan - again no maps or writing about the area.

 

[WilliamC]

WilliamC has a similar problem in Turkey. I know he uses Google Earth - I'm sure he would help with his experience on the "how".

@rob d 2, glad to help in any way I can. Wikilocs might be another useful resource.
I've read the May 2017 TGO article (via Pocketmags) and, while it makes the Atlas sound very tempting, there's no practical information in it.

 

[Balagan]

Thanks Deek. I used to hoard, and for a few years, photocopied the TGO indexes. But realised I never looked so them and tried to become tidier (largely failed!) so stopped.

Thanks Sherpa, too.

I'll try to contact Chris T later.

My quest for going somewhere less visited has brought another issue, too. Maps are a real problem, the government deciding to ban the publication in many areas. So for Tichka, I need the Tizi n’Test and Igli maps but the latter appears unobtainable.
Much appreciated,
Rob

Two French sites, I'd recommend:

You may find some of the information you are looking for in the following French blog which details about 20 multi-day off-the-beaten-track hikes (some of which are described as best done with a guide and muleteer) in Morroco : Trekkings hors des sentiers battus. The author has good route descriptions and PDF maps. I don't know if it covers quite the area you are looking for (he does have routes on the Tichka plateau) but failing that, it may have interesting alternatives.

In addition, some dedicated soul has made available online pretty much all of the topo maps covering Morocco on his Je me casse au soleil site. The Igli maps are n.82 for 1/100.000 and n.351 for 1/50.000.

 

[edh]

Two French sites, I'd recommend:

You may find some of the information you are looking for in the following French blog which details about 20 multi-day off-the-beaten-track hikes (some of which are described as best done with a guide and muleteer) in Morroco : Trekkings hors des sentiers battus. The author has good route descriptions and PDF maps. I don't know if it covers quite the area you are looking for (he does have routes on the Tichka plateau) but failing that, it may have interesting alternatives.

In addition, some dedicated soul has made available online pretty much all of the topo maps covering Morocco on his Je me casse au soleil site. The Igli maps are n.82 for 1/100.000 and n.351 for 1/50.000.

That's a great site and resources, thanks

 

[rob d 2]

That's really helpful, thank you! I wish my French was up to it tho... My son in Morocco is fluent in French - had to learn it for his job - so he may be able to help. He's here for 2 weeks before Christmas.
What a great site this (Trek-lite) is!
Rob

 

[Balagan]

Google translate can provide an English version that is pretty good.

 

[rob d 2]

DUH! I'd looked for that, briefly. Other things on this morning.
Thanks, as ever,
Rob

 

[Deek]

The May 2017 TGO article is not the article I recall.
I found another article by Hamish in the October 2007 TGO. "Morocco's Western Wonderland, describes one of the least known areas of the Atlas Mountains" which may be it. Includes some history and places but no real details on routes. May be useful for ideas.
If it's helpful I can try to send you a copy.

 

[rob d 2]

Hi Deek. That's the one, I'm sure! Sounds about right. Really appreciate this.
Rob

 

[WilliamC]

There's an article on the Atlas in this month's TGO. Here's the blurb:

Alice Morrison ran through the Sahara Desert, and loved the experience so much she moved to Morocco. Here, she shares an insider’s view of some of the best walking in the Atlas Mountains

 

[rob d 2]

Thanks William. I know, it landed on my doorstep as all this was going on! My son went to the launch of her new book at the embassy in Rabat.