MOUNT TOUBKAL - A JOURNEY TO THE ROOF OF NORTH AFRICA

OCTOBER 2025 - CHASING SUMMITS ADVENURES

MOUNT TOUBKAL – A Journey to the Roof of North Africa

On 3 October our team touched down in Marrakesh, ready to take on Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) — North Africa’s highest peak and one of our favourite overseas challenges.

Two luxury mini-coaches were waiting to transfer us to Imlil, the gateway to the High Atlas. The two-hour drive was a comfortable one: cold water in hand, air-conditioning blasting against the 30-degree heat, and everyone buzzing with that pre-expedition mix of nerves and excitement.


ARRIVAL IN IMLIL

We checked into our mountain lodge and took in the views from the rooftop terrace. Some of the group basked in the afternoon sun while others wandered through the village below to pick up souvenirs and soak up local life.

Dinner that evening was a perfect introduction to Moroccan hospitality — fresh soup, a traditional tagine, fruit, and sweet mint tea. By 9 p.m. everyone had retreated to pack, repack, and get some much-needed rest before the climb.


THE ASSCENT BEGINS

Breakfast was served early: pancakes, eggs, bread, cheese, olives, and (thankfully) plenty of coffee. At 9 a.m. we set off with our local guide, Abdul — friendly, fluent in English, and an endless source of stories about the mountains, the wildlife, and the Berber culture.

Lunch en route around 1:30 p.m. offered welcome shade from the midday sun, and by 4:30 p.m. we reached the Toubkal Refuge, our home for the night. Group dorms with bunkbeds lined side by side — cosy, basic, and full of climbers sharing the same goal: sunrise from the summit.

Dinner was hearty and well-earned: three courses and laughter shared with trekkers from around the world before alarms were set for 3:30 a.m.


SUMMIT DAY

By 4:15 a.m. we were out the door, headtorches glowing in the dark. Ten clients — nine men, one woman — and me, moving together, encouraging each other step by step.

At 7 a.m. we stood on the summit.
The first light of day poured across the Atlas Mountains and spilled over North Africa — a breathtaking moment that made every early start and steep step worthwhile.

After photos and quiet reflection, we began our descent, reaching the refuge by 9:45 a.m., adrenaline high and spirits even higher. By 11 a.m. we were heading back to Imlil, stopping for lunch at 1:30 p.m., and arriving at the lodge by 5:30 p.m. — tired, dusty, but absolutely elated.


CELEBRATION & FAREWELL

That night we shared stories over dinner, medals were handed out, and a well-earned sleep followed, but only after a game or two of Uno flip. The next morning, some of the group headed back to Marrakesh for a few days of souks and sunshine, while others caught flights home to the UK.

Every single person left with a medal, a smile, and a memory they’ll never forget.


WHY MOUNT TOUBKAL STAYS WITH YOU

Toubkal is more than a mountain — it’s a mindset. The climb is short but intense; the reward, unmatched. You stand above the clouds knowing you’ve pushed yourself far from comfort and closer to who you are.


Challenge. Connect. Conquer.
Join us on our next Mount Toubkal Adventure and see what the mountains can do for you.
→ Climb Toubkal with Chasing Summits Adventures

TREKKING THROUGH THE HEART OF PERU WITH CHASING SUMMITS!

By Nicola Brown • November 12, 2025
OUR JOURNEY BEGINS - THE INCA TRAIL - MACHU PICCHU - SEPTEMBER 2025

Climbing Within - How Physical Challenges Forge Emotional Intelligence

By Nicola Brown • July 3, 2025
There’s something transformative about standing on a summit, breathless and sweat-soaked, gasing out over ridgelines and valleys below. It’s not just the view that takes your breath away—it’s the emotional clarity that comes from the climb itself. At Chasing Summits , we know first-hand how mountains do more than just challenge the body; they awaken the mind and strengthen the soul. Physical challenges—particularly those faced in the great outdoors—have a powerful way of building emotional intelligence. The Mountain as a Mirror When you're on a tough ascent—say up Scafell Pike , England’s highest peak, or navigating the awe-inspiring route to Snowdon via Crib Goch —your true self shows up. Fatigue strips away the layers. Every step forces you to face your limits, your thoughts, your inner dialogue. There’s no signal, no distraction—just you, your team, and the trail. This intensity encourages emotional awareness . You learn to notice how fear, frustration, and doubt creep in. More importantly, you learn to manage them. You become familiar with your internal landscape just as much as the physical one surrounding you. This is emotional intelligence in action - recognising what you feel, understanding why, and managing your response to keep moving forward. Resilience and Regulation Climbing isn’t easy. Neither is life. But mountains teach us resilience like nothing else. A day trek in the Lake District , for instance, can be unpredictable—weather can turn, paths can vanish, and plans can shift. It’s in these moments that emotional regulation becomes crucial. You learn to breathe through the panic, to make calm decisions, and to re-centre yourself under pressure. These are the very same skills that help us handle stress in everyday life—at work, in relationships, and in our own mental health battles. Empathy and Team Spirit One of the most beautiful aspects of expedition life is the people you meet along the way. Whether you're on a private guided hike with us or joining one of our open group adventures , you’re not climbing alone. Mountains create a shared struggle, a collective experience that binds strangers together. Encouraging someone who's ready to give up, or accepting support when you're the one struggling, naturally fosters empathy. You develop patience, compassion, and the ability to read the emotional needs of others. These are key pillars of emotional intelligence, and they flourish in the raw, honest environment of the trail. Mindfulness in Motion For many of us, including our founder Nic, the mountains offer peace. The mind goes quiet. The noise of modern life fades away and all that remains is the rhythmic crunch of boots on rock and the steady beat of your heart. It’s a form of mindfulness—present, grounded, and connected. Take our Ben Nevis Challenge , for instance. As the UK’s highest mountain, it requires focus, grit, and respect. But it also gives you a chance to reconnect with yourself in a way few experiences can. You leave the peak changed—stronger, calmer, more self-aware. More Than a Climb At Chasing Summits, we don’t just guide you up a mountain—we guide you into a deeper connection with yourself. Whether it’s a short day hike or a more demanding expedition like the Welsh 3000s Challenge , every route is an opportunity to build confidence, self-awareness, and emotional strength. The next time you find yourself craving clarity or feeling overwhelmed by life’s chaos, consider heading to the hills. Your body will feel the burn, yes—but your mind and heart will thank you for it.  Ready to start your journey within? Explore our guided hikes and challenges at www.chasingsummits.co.uk and discover how the outdoors can reshape your inner world—one summit at a time.
No better place to be than in Nepal for Everest Base Camp

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING THROUGH OUTDOOR CHALLENGES: UNLOCKING TEAM POTENTIAL

By Nicola Brown • May 2, 2025
Corporate team building in the growing technological work environment nowadays has changed from more traditional office activities to something more engaging and meaningful that is more about creating bonds among employees. Among aspects that can be witnessed in boosting a team, trust and communication lie outdoor challenges – in which participants take their activities outside the office and into nature. For example, outdoor hiking activities can offer a team something that indoor exercises simply cannot provide if they wish to bring every small piece together. The Power of Outdoor Challenges for Corporate Teams Outdoor team challenges hold strong promises of exciting and new experiences for teams. Hiking is perhaps the most popular such outdoor activity. It is more than just attending the meetings in their meeting rooms: much happens outside as employees interact in an informal atmosphere where teamwork is natural. Whether climbing a rough trail or trying to figure out the solution to a problem together, outdoor challenges help to create opportunities for collaboration and communication, two of the most important skills that a team needs in any workplace. Strengthening Team Bonding Team bonding is one of the major advantages of outdoor challenges. At the workplace, employees tend to interact with each other within the parameters of assigned roles, tasks, or projects, which limits their opportunity for more genuine personal bonding. Outdoor activities eliminate these constraints. Hiking or some other physical challenge provides team members the opportunity to view each other through a more personal lens during moments of vulnerability, triumph, and support. Such memories forge stronger personal bonds, which translate into a tighter, better-working team in the office. Improved Communication and Collaboration Something more important than communication is an internal challenge. Teams will need to work closely as they find their way around whatever it is they have to do. Suggestions may have to be given, directions may have to be given, or encouragement will be offered to others. For example, a team trekking needs to be communicating to be able to summit. This whole scenario really mimics real life, transforming the problem-solving and collaborating in real time into learning skills transferable to the workplace, where clear communication and teamwork are really vital for success. Enhancing Leadership and Trust Another fruitful arena to foster leadership characteristics and engender trust in the group is outdoors. Employees are put into situations where they must rely on each other’s strengths and talents to accomplish a common goal. Limited knowledge of the individuals in question and the sometimes unpredictable nature of these conditions give rise to natural leaders: not necessarily those of the highest rank but those who are capable of intentionally and successfully motivating, guiding, and supporting the others in the terrain. It is here that all leaders in the team's eyes have a multitude of meanings, be it putting their hand up to lead through a crisis or carrying valuable insight at a moment when it is most needed. Here too is where the work of instilling trust goes on, for team members learn to rely on one another and carry shared responsibility for success. Boosting Mental and Physical Wellbeing It’s no secret that spending time outdoors is good for the mind and body. Fresh air, physical exercise, and exposure to nature have been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. For a corporate team, these outdoor challenges provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, recharging the group and improving overall wellbeing. Hiking and other outdoor activities also encourage physical activity, which has been linked to improved focus and productivity once back at work. It’s a win-win situation. Chasing Summits: Your Partner in Corporate Team Building If you’re looking for an unforgettable team-building experience, look no further than Chasing Summits. Specialising in outdoor adventures designed to bring corporate teams together, they offer bespoke hiking challenges tailored to your team’s specific needs. Whether you're looking to enhance communication, foster leadership, or simply enjoy a day out in nature, Chasing Summits provides an environment that encourages growth and connection. Their expert guides ensure that every challenge is not only physically rewarding but also mentally stimulating, making for a truly enriching experience that will stay with your team long after the day is over. Ready to Transform Your Team? Corporate team building is about more than just fun activities – it’s about creating real connections, fostering trust, and developing skills that benefit both the team and the organisation. Outdoor challenges like hiking offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. If you’re ready to take your team on a transformative journey, visit Chasing Summits today to learn more about their tailored outdoor challenges for corporate teams. Get outside, get active, and watch your team thrive!