Last updated: April 2026

The Atlas Mountains stretch across North Africa, forming a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. The range tops out in the High Atlas at Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa. Characterised by an arid landscape, the Atlas Mountains stand in stark contrast to their European counterpart, the Alps. In summer, the peaks are dry and scree-clad, while winter brings snow and ice that transform the mountains. Yes, it does snow in Africa.

Climbing Toubkal is one of the most accessible ways to reach 4,000m, and its popularity has grown in recent years, helped by relatively low guide fees and social media coverage. The trek starts from Imlil, at the base of the Toubkal National Park, which is home to the majority of Morocco’s 4,000m peaks. Despite being one of the main tourist hubs in the Atlas Mountains, Imlil is a far cry from Alpine resort towns - there are no cable cars or luxury hotels, just a handful of food shops and some outdoor stores renting out battered mountaineering kit. This rural setting is part of the appeal; you climb the whole mountain with minimal creature comforts.

Last updated: April 2026

Whilst the Alps get most of the attention in the European mountain scene, there’s an equally beautiful and dramatic range on the other side of France. The Pyrenees form the natural border between France and Spain, stretching from the Mediterranean in the east to the Atlantic in the west. Nestled amongst these jagged peaks is Andorra, an ancient and tiny landlocked country that often gets forgotten about. If it does come up in conversation, it’s usually for the tax-free shopping or skiing.

Part of the reason for Andorra’s relative anonymity is that it isn’t the easiest place to reach. Despite being close to the UK as the crow flies, there’s no airport or train line into the country, and the surrounding mountains mean the nearest airports are still a fair drive away. We made the beautiful three-hour journey from Barcelona a few days before, and whilst it requires a bit of extra effort, the reward is stunning summer scenery without the crowds of Europe’s more famous hiking spots.

Last updated: April 2026

Pico del Teide, or Teide for short, rises magnificently out of the Atlantic Ocean on the island of Tenerife. At 3,718m, it is probably one of the highest peaks in Europe that can be climbed with no real technical difficulty. It also happens to be the highest mountain in Spain (though subject to debate). On our second trip to the Canary Islands, an excuse to get some winter sun, we decided to get up super early to try to beat the sun to the summit.