A running tour of Imlil.

This route is a good introduction to trail running in Morocco. It is an easy warm-up if you arrive in Imlil in the afternoon and want to get used to the area before attempting something harder the following day.

This trail explores all four villages which make up the Imlil valley, the trekking base of Morocco.

Starting at the bridge in the centre of Imlil, you first ascnd the road for 15 minutes towards the village of Ait Souka. Be aware of traffic on the road, there are no footpaths. The trail then heads steeply uphill to gain a small plateau area. There’s a taste of mountain running here on the beautiful forest and hillsides high above Imlil.

The path then passes the local kid’s football pitch and heads down into Aroumd. Navigation along the narrow streets is tricky, just head towards the prominant mosque tower and you will be fine.

The trail crosses the river then follows a 4×4 track for a while before cutting down and joining an irrigation channel amongst beautiful walnut trees. It then crosses the road and heads up through Mzik, another maze of berber houses built into the hillside.

Eventually you meet another 4×4 track and head back towards the centre of Imlil for a welcome refreshing drink or Tajine.

Note: a shorter alternative is to head back down to Imlil before turning up into Mzik. If you desire a 7k intead of 10k run. Just head downhill after the Kasbah, instead of following the irrigation channel.