Atlas Descent

Day 1
Arrive at our hotel in the evening.

Day 2
Setting off from Agadir in our four wheel drive vehicles, we drive across the plains of the Souss Valley. We climb into the heart of the Anti Atlas range, reaching the high mountain Pass of Tizi Mlil, above the old garrison town of Tafraoute (3 hour transfer). From here we descend on a rocky, vehicle width track down to Aguerd Oudad where we rejoin the vehicles, and head on to the gritty pistes through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the famous painted rocks. Following non-technical gravel tracks across the high altitude plains we return to Tafraoute on a mix of good tarmac and sections of sweeping singletrack through the beautiful palmeries. Today's ride is a relatively easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come.
Approximate distance 35km

Day 3
Today's ride follows a spectacular route through the impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. After a short transfer high into the mountains behind Tafraoute to Tizi Tasrite, we begin the 70km ride, descending through the landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw yesterday. The ride descends through impressive gorges and follows dry riverbeds in places, where the scenery is superb, then we pass through many villages. 30km is off road and 40km is on tarmac, including some major downhill (and one long optional climb on tarmac), then we return to the hotel on the bikes. Back in Tafraoute we can relax in the hotel bar before spending the evening sharing a home-cooked meal and a carpet demonstration with a local family.
Approximate distance 70km

Day 4
A short transfer takes us back to the high pass of Tizi Mlil (the start of Day 2's ride). From here we take a 20km high mountain trail above Tafraoute leading to Tizi Tasrite. Stunning views of our previous ride is clearly visible far below. Before the village of Tasrite, there is a short optional singletrack section which leads on to the start of a superb 10km switchback, off road mountain descent. The first 4kms of the trail are rough and rocky (and are ridden without a support vehicle) then the trail gets smoother and the flowing gritty pistes return. A short section of smooth tarmac gives a little relief from the rocks, before rejoining a fantastic, fast flowing piste trail through the plains and oases of Tafraoute, where Gazelle are sometimes seen grazing amidst the boulder strewn rocks. Reaching the small village of Tahala, there is 10km of gentle climbing on tarmac before we hit one last section of singletrack through the palmeries back to the hotel. Once back in Tafraoute there will be time to visit the town, or relax by the hotel pool.
Approximate distance 65km

Day 5
We drive for about an hour southwest from Tafraoute to the start of today's ride. After a short off road climb to a high col, there is a choice of a steep technical singletrack descent (followed by a short climb), or a more leisurely piste trail with stunning views. We then take a superb switchback piste trail, nearly 20km down off the mountain, past a number of traditional villages en route to Anezi. A short tarmac stretch offers a break from the stony terrain, but the piste soon returns winding its way through a scenic valley and crossing riverbeds. At the end of the ride, we transfer approx 30 minutes to Tiznit, an old walled medina town famous for its silver markets. There is a traditional hammam (steam bath) here that we can visit in the late afternoon, or you can relax by the hotel pool.
Approximate distance 50km

Day 6
After an early breakfast and morning transfer (approx. 3.5 hours) we arrive to the small village of Tiqqi in the foothills of the High Atlas. The landscape here is very different, with Pine and Cedar forests and remote mountainside villages dominating the area. Initially, our track leads past several untouched Berber villages. Mud houses are perched precariously under cliff edges, with locals looking on as we cycle through. After riding across country for several kilometres the track becomes slightly rockier, and we come to a spectacular gorge. Having lunch here, there is time to admire the views and contemplate the two afternoon climbs, before our final fast flowing cross-country ride down to tarmac. Rejoining the tarmac we cycle downhill for the last few kilometres to our hotel in Immouzer.
Approximate distance 35km

Day 7
The ultimate off road trail and a fitting finale to this biking adventure! From the hotel a spectacular descent takes us to the coast. Riding directly from the hotel, we take the short scenic tarmac road through the village of Immouzer, before ascending a rough track which gradually climbs for 6km onto a high mountain pass. From here the ultimate 'flyer' to the coast begins with a spectacular 40km mountain descent. The trail is rough and rocky in places as it contours and gradually descends, offering amazing views over the mountains and to the coastline, our final destination. Poor weather may make this particular route impassable, in which case we will make our way out of the mountains through Paradise Valley. This route follows a spectacular winding tarmac road, dropping from the ridges around Immouzer, deep into a narrow gorge, abundant with palm trees and small oases. After a swim or stroll on the beach, we load the bikes onto the support vehicles for the last drive into Agadir (approx. 30 minutes), arriving in time for an optional, relaxing berber massage and a farewell dinner.
Approximate distance 55km

Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Agadir for flight to London.