adventure
How to be brave
April 2, 2018
Hiking in the desert mountains can be quite a challenge. I didn't set out to scare myself when I set out from Tighmert near Guelmim to walk the ridge, but I managed it nonetheless and in doing so learnt some lessons about how to be brave.
Goat’s milk and boiled butter
March 10, 2018
An adventurer needs adventures, so with that in mind, I packed up the cats, my bike and my hiking and running kit and moved to a tiny oasis in the south of Morocco called Tighmert for a couple of months. I want to see what living in an oasis is like, explore the desert area and mountains around Guelmim and get to know the Sahara people. My first adventure was a hike from the oasis, across the desert plain to the mountains.
An adventure run to Essaouira
February 13, 2018
16km of pristine, virgin Atlantic beach stretching out ahead of us as we started our adventure run from Moulay Bouzektoun back to Essaouira on Morocco's coast. Winter sun beating down and lots of golden sand to cross.
Snow in Morocco!
January 29, 2018
For the first time in thirty years, it is snowing in the Sahara desert in Morocco.
Climbing Ben Nevis in December
December 29, 2017
Climbing Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, is always an adventure, but climbing Ben Nevis in winter is definitely an epic. 1350 metres of ascent and then the same back down again. It may not sound much, but the weather conditions make it a real challenge.
In search of flamingos
October 9, 2017
Flamingos in Morocco? I didn't believe it when I first heard it and then when I was assured it was true, I had to find out where they nested and try to see them for myself. This was one running adventure I was prepared to suffer sore legs for gladly.
Love in the desert
June 12, 2017
It is a Mills and Boons fantasy: the flashing-eyed Arab Sheikh on his long-maned Arab stallion, descending upon a quivering damsel and sweeping her off to who knows what exotic delights. And the reality? Here is a little snippet of love in the desert 2017 style.
Running tales: A thief and a knight
February 4, 2017
Running in Morocco is always an adventure. Sometimes the trails are long and sometimes they are short, and this morning's run in Essaouira had its fair share of surprises.
Running Tales: An Unlikely Guardian Angel
April 27, 2016
Morning runs in Marrakech always bring some form adventure, be it big or small. Today's involved a coffee maker and a Guardian.
Planting a future in the Moroccan Mountains
March 25, 2016
I had gone up to the mountains to meet friends for a couple of days of hiking. Remote and wild, we had fantastic days out across canyons, up river beds and into secret valleys. Our host and guide, Ali, not only shared his knowledge and experience with us, he also invited us to help him plant a wood of almond trees. Leaving something for the future.