them as "the most fabulous mountains in all of Africa". Stretching southwards from the Mediterranean coast in an arc for a thousand miles, they are certainly the highest and most extensive range in North Africa.
For the walker and mountaineer they offer an incredible variety of scenery, climate and terrain. Within the valleys one can observe a way of life that has changed little during the last one thousand years; the word unique can be used with justification. Whilst the wild scenery may be reminiscent of parts of central Asia, a closer look at the way of life here dispels any such notion. The native inhabitants, the Berbers, possess a distinctive culture. Their villages of kasbahs, surrounded by steep terraces, are of special beauty and leave a lasting impression on the visitor.
Whilst opportunities for rock-climbing do exist (and some very good opportunities they are too), this book is primarily aimed at the walker and the scrambler. Whatever one''s age or level of fitness the Atlas Mountains are a rewarding and exciting destination, easily reached from Europe.