Climbing Mount Toubkal: A Journey of Challenge, Charity, and Purpose

There’s something powerful about choosing discomfort.

It strips everything back...the noise, the comfort, the excuses. You’re left with just you, your thoughts, and whatever’s in front of you. For me, that was Mount Toubkal...North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167m.

This wasn’t just a personal challenge for me, as always, it was also a climb for my sister, Zoe, and in support of Mountbatten Hospice...the incredible charity that stood beside her and our family in her final days, along with the whole community they work in. Every step was for her, and for them (and myself).

Here’s the honest breakdown...the steps, the struggle, and what it taught me.

Day 1: Trek to Refuge du Toubkal (3,207m)

Time on feet: 3 hours 6 minutes
Distance: 7.15 miles

We kicked off with a steady climb, broken up by a lunch stop that reminded me how good the basics can be in the mountain. Pasta, fresh salad, lentils, bread.

The final push to Refuge du Toubkal is uncomfortable, but peaceful...the kind of space where your priorities reset.

We bunked down at the refuge. Spirits high. Legs tired. Minds sharp. Tomorrow was summit day.

I want to be honest, the refuge is not luxury, 20 people sleeping on top of each other practically, and I got NO SLEEP! But it was a bed...

Day 2: 3:15am Wake-Up. 4,167m Summit. -17°C Windchill.

Conditions: Brutal
Summit leg: 5.03 miles (took 3 hours on the dot)
Descent: 5.14 miles

3:15am alarm, Breakfast: a crepe with Nutella, boiled egg, and black coffee.

By 3.45am, we were outside in the pitch dark, head torches on, crampons locked in, ice axes ready. Wind slicing through layers, temperatures down at -17°C. Off we go...

Above 4,000m, the battle is all internal. My legs ache, lungs burn, knees feel like they have shattered glass in and my mind wants out. But when the summit came into view...the silence was everything. No fuss. Just presence.

Then: back to the refuge, which took just over two hours, one more warm meal, and the final descent back off the mountain for another 2.5 hours.

Legs finished. Heart full.

My soundtrack for the hike:

No internet, so these were downloaded prior:

🎵 Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem
🎵 Leon Bridges – Longline
🎵 Tems – Born in the Wild
🎵 Noah Kahan – Live from Fenway Park
🎵 Brett Young – 2.0

Why I Chose Toubkal

I have Mont Blanc coming up in August 2025, so needed a warm-up... turns out this was FAR harder than a warm-up.

It was also about carrying my sistersr legacy through Zoe’s Law, and raising funds for Mountbatten Hospice, who gave her...and us — dignity, warmth, and unwavering compassion in the moments that mattered most.

The team at Mountbatten face growing financial pressures, and yet continue to deliver world-class care. Climbing Toubkal was my way of saying thank you and doing my bit.

A Huge Thank You

Massive appreciation to Chris at Active Mountaineering for making the trip safe, organised, and unforgettable. If you’re planning your own adventure...they’re the ones to trust and of course to my good friend Andrew for keeping for keeping me company again.

Final Thoughts

Toubkal isn’t Everest...But it doesn’t have to be.

It’ll challenge your lungs, legs, and mindset. And if you let it, it’ll shift something in you. The mountain gives perspective...and purpose.

If you’re thinking of your own challenge, want to support Zoe’s Law, or help Mountbatten Hospice, the links are below:

👉 Mountbatten Hospice
👉 Zoe’s Law Campaign & Petition

And if you’re planning to summit Toubkal or just need a mindset reset, drop me a message. Always happy to share what helped me get there.