Category: Hiking

Eleven hikers and three dogs met at the Fort l’Ecluse parking at 10am. Present were Peter T with Kobie, Nicolas with Onyx, Michael with Rocco, Stephen, Robert, David, Rudi, Richard S, Andrew, Nathan and Peter S who led the walk. 

Immediately after leaving the car park, the group had to navigate a hazardous crossing of the D984 with cars speeding around the corner on the left and appearing out of the dark tunnel on the right. This was followed by a steep uphill climb on the lefthand side of the lower fort

to reach the ‘Fort Supérieur’. Onyx decided to go exploring above the fort which gave the group a chance to appreciate the views to the west and east of the Rhone valley.

From the fort the route tracked gently downwards to Longeray and then headed back upwards for following signs to Les Marais. 

After about 30 minutes of ascent just before the path exited the woodland there was a long overdue water break. Richard provided the lubrication for a lively discussion about the merits of generic drugs championed by Michael and an update from Robert on the latest opinion poll on Scottish independence.  

The next section of the hike provided expansive views of Le Vuache on the left and the Plateau de Retord on the right with rolling countryside stretching towards the French Alps in the distance.

The path continued downwards towards Lèaz with the dogs happily exploring the now cow free pastures. The second crossing of route D984 was surprisingly easy with the driver of a large truck with Lithuanian license plates stopping to let hikers and dogs cross safely. Passing through the village of Lèaz there was a brief stop at the memorial to “Les enfant du village” who had died in the great wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. The picnic was enjoyed, with the dogs in close attendance, on top of a hill in the shade of ruins of an old chateau topped by a statue of the Madonna. From this “Belvédére de Leaz” there were fine views across the Rhone valley back towards the forts and the narrow passage between the Jura and Le Vuache mountains. 

After lunch, the path descended quite steeply through beech forests towards the Rhone.

Kobie, Onyx and Rocco made a short excursion for a swim in the river.

The trail passed the ruins of the Moulins de Condière and then crossed the TGV rail line at the hamlet of Lavaux. The warm afternoon sun prompted a final repose in the shade with the dogs happily clambering over drowsy hikers.

The car park was reached around 3:30pm to complete a walk of 12km with 620m denivelation.  

Nathan initially proposed a hike that he knew well from the Col de la Faucille to the Colomby de Gex. During a subsequent discussion, Mark Warren indicated that there was an alternative itinerary beginning/ending at the Pailly car-park. The advantage of this route is that it is a loop rather than an up/down. The disadvantage is that it requires a bit more climbing/distance.

A compromise hike starting from the Col de la Faucille and ending at the Pailly car-park was proposed to the group. However, the 9 hardy participants (David C., 2 X Mark W., Mervyn P., Nathan F., Peter T., Peter S., Philip J. and Richard S.) unanimously preferred the longer route beginning/ending at the Pailly car-park. It was an excellent choice providing some splendid views of the Leman basin and the Alps. The weather fully cooperated with moderate temperatures and clear skies.

The hike began with a 40 minute rather steep but well marked path through the forest. Richard was not feeling well and unfortunately about halfway through the forest he decided to bail out. It was certainly a wise but painful choice for him. He managed to get back to the car-park where Carol came to fetch him. He was missed during the rest of the hike. We all felt very guilty that we did not offer to lighten his back-pack to ease his return (notably the heavy refreshment flask😂).

We enjoyed a brief pause after the steep climb.

We then followed various paths leading to the Montrond for another short pause. There, a waypost indicated 55 minutes to the Colomby. We could see the derrick in the distance, estimated that it was over 3 km from us and concluded that the waypost was somewhat optimistic.

1.5 hours later we were gathered in front of the Colomby de Gex derrick enjoying the view and beginning our well earned lunch.

While we were lunching we encountered a few hikers from the north of France who were impressed that our group of very mature men was able to hike all the way up to the Colomby, some even carrying the full weight of bottles of wine. Accepting their compliment, we shared some of our wine with them which they gladly accepted.

When the local colony of Colomby flies discovered us, we packed up for the long descent that began through a high plateau with a couple of successfully managed dodgy bits along the way.

The downward path took us through open areas with nice views of the Leman basin & the Alps, valleys, narrow & wide trails and forests.

The downward path terminated just below our starting point and a short climb on the “paved” road brought us back to the car-park.

From the start of the descent, the group split into 2 smaller groups. The faster one (Mervyn and the 2 Peters) completely abandoned us about halfway down, racing ahead because of personal engagements at 17:30.
They arrived at the car-park at 16:45 and were able to make their appointments.

The other group arrived at the car-park at 17:45.

Accumulated climb: 900 m
Distance: 16 km
Picture credits: David Colledge, Peter Taylor & Mark Warren.

With the hot spell ending the previous day (driving rain had ended my golf on the 18th hole ) the cooler weather was welcome for our hike mostly in open areas above Villars. Fortunately the heavy rain had missed Villars and the footpath from our starting point was surprisingly dry.

The drive up had been eventful. After collecting Thatcher, Stephen and Rudi we were met with a sign of closure of the A1 between Lutry and Chexbres. This to-gether with road works on the lake road delayed our start by 1 hour. Having met up with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John Horekens who had stayed in Villars overnight, the seven of us set out following plan B. This was essentially plan A albeit at a faster pace with some short cuts.

Our first stretch along an undulating path to the Col de Bretaye was accomplished in just over 1 hour, 10 mins less than the allotted time.
Clouds had gathered on the summits as we approached Roc D’Orsay but as we progressed up Grand Chamossaire clear skies greeted us. Drinks were welcome at the top of a pretty gruelling 300m ascent.

The clouds kept at bay so we could enjoy the scenery whilst clambering down the ridge to-wards Petit Chamossaire with Leysin to the left and over the lac de Bretaye below. Not that we could enjoy views all the time; the descent required careful footwork.

Leaving the ridge, our path took us through both open and wooded areas down to Lac de Chavonnes.

Though 1 hour behind schedule the restaurant made us feel welcome. Beers soon appeared. Then just after bread had been passed round the table, 2 well groomed mountain goats jumped up to the table. One was too quick for Mark who lost his bread in one mouthful to the goat. Most of us enjoyed a traditional Roesti Montagnard. The accompanying banter covered mainly hiking exploits with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John shortly to take on the Himalayas.

A big thank-you to David for buying the beers on the occasion of his 80th birthday in a couple of days time (added by Mark).

Our return took us first alongside the lake before rising to Col de L’Ecreme being around 250m ascent. At this point Rudi produced a bottle of brandy that he had carried all the hike so everyone was duly revived. Walking conditions had been ideal until the last 10mins before Col de la Croix when we were met with light rain. All expressed appreciation for an enjoyable hike.

Distance 14 km, height gained ~680 m.

Happily there were no mishaps on the drive back.

 The summer heat was starting to dissipate, especially after the horror of 40C just the Thursday before. Sadly the sparkling weather only appeared on the Friday – the day after this hike – and we were faced with a cool and cloudy start with the prospect of lurking sun.

The plan was to start from the car park at La Givrine and ascend via my secret back route up to the Pointe de Fin Château, the Pointe de Poêle Chaud and La Dôle. Most of the ascent is through beautiful and little trod forest and the following ridges are airy with fine 360 views.

(I had checked this out the week before with Kobie on that hottest day of the year. We were cooked but survived…).

Eleven brave souls signed up, and with Nessie and Kobie we were a dozen plus two hounds. Attending :- Nathan, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, David, Richard S, Richard F, Philip, Bill, Stephen, Mike M (and Nessie), Peter S, Peter T (and Kobie).

Having negotiated the Easypark App, we set off from La Givrine in good spirits just after 10am. Shorts were being worn by a third of us, despite my warning of possible cool weather.

Sadly the start was not great for Kobie as he trod on an electric wire and received a shock that spooked him a bit. Cows in the Jura in summer are a hazard for the hiker and for the hound. Undeterred we escaped off up my secret path (which for the record turns left from the road up to the Couvaloup de Crans at W3W rooting.snuck.horizons). We were soon up into the very pleasant forest.

Team in good cheer on the way up

The good thing about this route is that it is shady in sunny weather and it delivers one out onto the ridge between the Pointes de Fin Chateau and Poêle Chaud. Stephen and I turned left to tick off the PdFC.

Reunited on the ridge there followed a pleasant 100m ascent up to the top of the Pte de Poêle Chaud 1629m. Duly conquered, it was time for some apèro and Richard S extracted his bottle of many dubious potions and distributed what he told us was Aquavit – very pleasant it was too.

Suitably refreshed and fortified we set off down towards the Col de Porte looking out for chamois but seeing none.

The team split several ways for the final ascent of the day, with three brave souls tackling the open and “most dangerous” path of the Jura, while others and dogs went round the back.

We were soon at the Domes of the Dôle and Stephen and Richard established lunch camp on the edge of the precipice, with what would normally be stupendous views to the alps. We could not complain though; it was warm with little wind and the view we had over the Lake was superb.

Interestingly two (Mike M and Richard F) of our party met their better halves at the top – they had hiked up from St Cergue and were lunching right next to us. They had probably done a bigger hike than us !

Stephen opened his rather impressive and heavy bottle of Salice Salentino, Epicuro, aged in oak, which went down rather nicely before some of Mark2ts’s Luins chasselas and some of my own Gruener Veltliner. We managed to remember to toast absent friends

With the team lined up as if to launch themselves over the edge and me behind them catering for a hungry Kobie, there was little opportunity for me to record conversations, but there was some talk of Spanish kissing. Happily I noticed nothing of Scottish independence. Kobie impressed me by being able to see half a dozen or so chamois grazing at a large distance below and to our right, and he took a keen interest in their progress before taking up his position between Richard and Stephen (see photo).

In due course David emerged his really rather excellent grappa and Mark2ts his strong black coffee. Thanks to all for their contributions.

Well sated, some took the opprotunity to grab forty winks.

All too soon it was time to pack up and leave, an easy route down planned via the ski slope to the Couvaloup de Crans. Again this was slightly marred for Kobie by him touching another live wire as he went through the gap in the top wall. With that and the assorted herds on the descent, I had to guide him down and around through the forest.

Suitably ensconced on the outside tables at the CdC, the beer and panaché order went in and Richard F kindly treated us all to some restorative. Mike regaled us with a tale of self control (or lack thereof) when the appendage of a nurse somehow fell into his palm. There were other tales …

All too soon it was time to saunter back down the track to the cars.

A very pleasant hike – about 11km and 550m. 

 

Due to the current heatwave, it was with some reservations that I suggested a hike on the Voirons, that dark-looking ridge across the lake from Vaud.  However, having followed the same hike some five years ago, I was reminded that much of the trail is in woodland so there would be a fair amount of shade.  Five of us in two cars rolled up at the designated time at the tiny hamlet of Le Penaz near the pleasant town of Boëge.  In the event, the skies were heavy with cloud and there was even some rain in the air.  

We set off at a good pace climbing up steeply through the forest, even grateful for the light rain that fell occasionally.  After an hour or so, we heard some gentle singing and came across a group of about thirty Girl Scouts who were camping in the woods.  It was a good opportunity to stop and drink some water and listen to this delightful choir.  

Further on, we skirted the grounds of the Monastery of the Sisters of Bethlehem which was built in the 1980s and housed around 100 nuns.  It had been my intention to take an extended walk along a ridge towards the Pointe de Brantaz, but the guidebook was quoting non-existent signposts so we proceeded to the Signal des Voirons, which at 1,480 meters is the highest point on the mountain. 

Apart from the Guides, we hadn’t met anyone else on the trail, but at the Signal there were many people and among them was a family from Versailles that we had seen at the monastery.  The father told us that he was visiting his sister who had been a nun for 20 years and this was the only time that she could have contact with the outside world.  She was obviously relishing being with her nieces picking bowls of wild fruit.

We had a little snifter of Armenian Brandy to fortify us and continued on our steep downward route until we reached the Notre Dame de Voirons, a five-hundred year-old chapel.  There was an invitation to ring the bell, but try as I might, I couldn’t raise a clang.  However, Mark must have been a campanologist in a previous life as his gentle touch produced a wonderful sound!  Nathan had visited the area last year and remembered a good viewpoint further on that we could use for lunch.  This proved to be ideal and we were able to perch on a large fallen log overlooking the whole Geneva basin and Jura beyond.  Mervyn produced a very acceptable Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon and Nathan passed around his home-grown tomatoes.  Dessert was available on the low-growing blackberry bushes all around us.

Suitably bolstered, we descended down through the forest on a very steep path that looked suspiciously like a dried up riverbed until we came to open country with great views of the Vallée Verte and the Alps.  At the top of a steep bank was a Copacou, a cupule or cup stone.  Apparently, this had been used for human sacrifices where the victim’s throat was cut and the blood flowed down the steep side of the rock.  This naturally provoked a realistic enactment, but happily Mark was granted a stay of execution at the last moment.

We passed the 12^th Century castle of Rocafort (not the cheese!) on our final stretch down to the cars.

The whole area is a nature reserve, but the promised roe deer, red deer, wild boar and lynxes were obviously on their summer break as there was little wildlife to be seen. The high temperatures had finally caught up with us and there was a general consensus that beers were warranted, so we repaired to Boëge for some welcome refreshment before heading home. Many thanks for the drinks, Peter!

Present: Mark 2rrs, Mervyn, Nathan, Peter Strebel and Richard S.

Distance: 11 kms

Denivellation: 664 meters

Morgins, Portes du Soleil

There was a lot of rain in July and August but the forecast for August 3rd was promised as dry and sunny. Stephen was in Morgins for the week and suggested a hike in his favourite territory, which Rob had volunteered to co-ordinate. 7 willing hikers appeared on the day, coming from various starting points. The early-risers of Rob, Nathan, Mervyn car-pooled from somewhere near Divonne, Mike gave his Renault Alpine an outing, David hopped across the valley from Villars and Nicolas, the closest, traversed the mountain from Champery. Detailed instructions had been given so that no-one would get lost on the way to the parking nearest Stephen’s chalet. Not surprisingly, the sporty vehicle arrived first, so far ahead of schedule that Mike was able to enjoy a coffee in Morgins before heading to the meeting place. David was next, 10 minutes ahead of schedule (yes, David!!). The car-poolers arrived also just ahead of 10h. No sign of Nicolas at 10h05, 10h10, 10h20….a search party of Mervyn and Mike went in search and waited by the main road. 10h30 came and went…..telephone contact had been made with Nicolas but still no sign. At 10h40 up rolled Nicolas from the direction the search party had headed, having done a full tour of Route de la Cergnat, passing Mervyn and Mike and generously allowing them to walk back up the hill as a warm up.

The walk itself started with a pleasant detour from the initially conceived route, to avoid the construction works for the new ski cabine in Morgins, up the path in the woods by the side of the Vièze stream in the direction of the restaurant at They. Normally, this would have been a suitable refreshment point but due to the late start (and, maybe more importantly, the fact the restaurant was closed for extensive renovation) the leader encourage pressing on up the hill. Quite some encouragement was needed as this ascent was indeed steep and longer than most of the participants had expected. “Not much further” lost impact on multiple use. However, we all emerged intact, if somewhat fatigued onto the grassy slopes of what is the famous Defago piste during ski season. Stephen was pleased that his repairing tendon had passed the test.

Emerging after the steep climb. Mervyn seems happy to see a ski piste, even without snow. More a sign of relief on the faces of Rob and David.

The gentler ascent from here was much appreciated with views down the valley until we reached the col at Bonavau when the whole vista opened before us, including the first sighting of the lunchtime restaurant. Such was the keenness of some of the group to be first with a beer that they speed down the slope . Unfortunately, they headed for the wrong restaurant. More haste and less speed comes to mind…….

A rest at the Col de Bonavau, 1759m

….and now to lunch, we know the way!

Stephen had realised that lunch might be delayed so rang ahead to warn the restaurant that we would be arriving late and our table was duly waiting for us. Beers were ordered and consumed and kindly paid for by Nicolas in penance for the late start. Food orders were considered and memories of the previous year’s feast at the La Chaux Alpage resulted in agreement to share platters of spare ribs and rösti as well as other selections. In the event, the food quantity did not live up to expectations even though the quality remained good. Obviously, austerity is present in Switzerland.

With the lift back down to Morgins out of action due to its replacement, we had to walk down back to the village. I say walk down, but the first part involved walking up again, over the col above Mazde. No so easy after lunch. Once there, the group were given the choice of a direct steep descent, through the woods or a longer, gentler and indeed more scenic route around the mountain. The latter was unanimously selected. More great views of the Dents du Midi and down to Lac Leman.

Eventually back at the cars, David had to leave but the rest of the group enjoyed a rest and some home brew beer on the Long’s terrace before heading back home. Another great day in the Portes du Soleil.

Overall, ca. 15km, 625m climb and a walking time of 4h30.

Note: Due to the happy addition to the Pashley family (and certainly someone who will no doubt in the years ahead be showing a lot of Scottish independence…at least with her family) Rob has been distracted and the writing of this blog put on hold. I have stepped in with my memories of the day. I leave it to the webmaster to sort out the order of the blog to be chronologically correct. SL

The weather forecast promised a dry spell up to Thursday so it was suitable for a hike up the Salève via the Grotte d’Orjobet and back down via the Grande Gorge. Five of us duly assembled at the parking Le Coin and set off shortly after 10:00. Mervyn, Nicolas, Mike M, new member Peter Strebel and Mark 2Ts. The ascent was totally in the shade from the trees so felt reasonably cool and we made good progress with the occasional ooh and aah as we came into a clear patch and saw the views below.

Shortly after we were through the Grotte d’Orjobet with just a gentle stroll left until we arrived at our restaurant after a hike of almost exactly 2 hours.

We’d booked at the Auberge des Montagnards in la Croisette and they gave us a table with panoramic views over the alps. The food was up to the quality of the view and we left, well fortified, at about 13:30.

Our leader, me, then proceeded to get us lost, trying several descents from the plateau before we actually reached the Grande Gorge. Eventually, with the help of several phone apps, we found the correct path, further on than I had remembered and started our descent. This was as tricky as we remembered but we took it slowly, thought how much worse it would be when wet, and eventually got back to our cars at Le Coin where we replenished our energy with coffee, nuts and raisins before driving home.

A good day out, 12 km, 714 m height gain. All the ascent and descent in the shade from trees. Only the walk along the top in the sun, however this was longer than it should have been for which we blame the leader.

A fine day in prospect saw eight of us and 3 dogs assemble in the car park at Divonne for a Jura hike. Sadly Richard S and Peter Strebel withdrew at the last minute and were missed. Almost immediately it became clear that Mark Warren and I had the same idea of how to approach the Barillette restaurant – booked for 12.30pm; by driving up to near the Chalet de la Dôle and traversing the mountain clockwise. The alternative would have been a long slog up nearly 800m from Florettaz – one for another time/team.

Attending – Marks W1 and W2, Nathan, Mervyn, Larry, Mike H and Rocco, Nicolas and (Tiray Pas) Onyx, and me and Kobie.

It did not start well when Onyx followed Kobie into the Divonne fountain pond.

Safely up at the parking at 1418m we set off to scale La Dôle (1677m) passing the Chalet with all dogs leashed. Cows and chamois were abundantly evident, as were hares.

It was a fresh start with initial cloud on the tops and a nice breeze. We stopped a few times and then at 1632m on the ridge to allow stragglers to catch up. That was the last we saw of Nathan before the restaurant (where he arrived on time at 12.25pm, whereas we arrived after 1.12pm).

So we meandered up after Nathan and stopped at the top in the look out pen hemmed in by cows, looking up at the work in progress maintenance work being done on the radar ball.

We decided to escape (slip past) the herd and take aperos on the broad ridge descending to Col de Porte at 1660m.

We toasted absent friends which at this time also included Nathan. There was some jolly banter about Niagra Ice Wine and other delicacies. Then suddenly we realised that we had 20 minutes left to get to the restaurant on time, but that it was at least an hour away.

Peter went back to the summit pen to retrieve his stick, and we wended down past the Col de P and down and up across to the Barillette mast.

We arrived safely at the restaurant 45 minutes late but with no worries as Nathan had indeed arrived à l’heure. Happily there were few other diners and we chose a table out on the terrace for the dogs and us to be the happier.

Initial beers were excellent and Larry chose the wine – to celebrate his 87th birthday the previous week.

We chewed the fat while the dogs chewed the bones. The conversation glided over many subjects, including paedophile poets, and we were soon into coffees and not inflicted by a man with a bottle of strong and oddly-labelled potion, nor another with his flask of strong Scottish stuff.

All too soon then, with most of us and most dogs behaving well, we set off back up and down to the cars, passing a potential new GIN recruit as we left the restaurant.

Thanks again to Mark 2ts for the coffee and Mervyn (or was it Mark too?) for the milk.

An enjoyable hike with dogs that mostly behaved, nice lunch in great company that also mostly behaved, fine weather and some nice wines, good sausage, excellent frites, and some fabulous views, chamois and hares, and, er, cows and electric fences.

10.5km and 480m denivellation.

PS – When I got home Kobie slept in the basement immediately for 6 hours – he’s still there…

PPS Thanks to Nicolas for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame T Shirt !

The weather forecast was not promising with severe weather warnings over most of Vaud so the leader of this event decided to keep this “hike” low and with opportunities to escape if necessary.

Just 5 of us assembled in the parking in Morges: Larry, Bill, 2 Marks and an Irish interloper -Arthur Grifith. Surprisingly none had walked the full path before. Despite the forecast, which was changing by the hour, the day started out dry but not sunny.

We started along the lake, past Préverenges to the Ile aux oiseaux which certainly lived up to his name. This was new to many of the participants and now includes two powerful, and free, telescopes to watch the birds at close up.

After many of the birds had been identified, but not by me, and the information panels scrutinised, we continued on to St Sulpice. This is the only section of the walk where the path leaves the lakeshore, just before and just after the church.

Shortly after St Sulpice the path returned to the lakeside and we continued on to our lunch spot at les Berges de Vidy. By now it had started to rain so we donned waterproofs or raised umbrellas which miraculously stopped the rain.

We left Vidy planning to catch the boat back to Morges and arrived at the quay in Ouchy just as it was pulling out.

So we originally decided to walk up the path from Ouchy to Lausanne station but there was a metro train already waiting for us at Ouchy so we caught it in order to just miss the next train to Morges. Eventually we sorted out tickets (the most stressful part of the day) and caught a train back to Morges and returned to our cars.

A very interesting, and even cultural, walk if not too strenuous. About 15 km with essentially no height gain. The storms came to nothing (but were violent during the evening) and the only serious rain was while we were in the restaurant.

Author and Leader : Mark Warren

Impeccable logistical cooperation enabled today’s nine hikers (Peter Taylor, Mervyn Powell, Larry French, David Colledge, Richard Saynor, Bill Westermeier, Peter Strebel (new member – welcome Peter!), Ralph Wares and Mark Warren) to leave the rendezvous point at the Gare de Noiraigue on time. The day was sunny, sun hats made their appearance and the forecast (not the one I read – Ed. PT) was good to the extent that some of our party didn’t see the necessity to bring any wet weather gear. 

The trail up to the Creux de Van is straight forward and not particularly difficult, but it does go up some 750 metres which is a challenge in itself.

After leaving the village, there is a steady incline for longer than one thinks, even for those who know this trail well, before a left turn at the start of the famous “sentier des 14 contours”. This path meanders up the slope in serpentines with frequent great views of the rock basin; trees at each turn are numbered and after number 14, we found ourselves at the top with its magnificent view over the cliffs of the Creux de Van, including a recent rockfall, and a welcome glass of champagne in celebration of Richard’s birthday.

We then started to hear thunder in the distance and feel the odd drop of rain. The prudent hikers with rain gear put it on while the others accelerated for the 45 minutes’ walk to the restaurant, La Grand Vy – yes, La Grand Vy and not La Grande Vy! No one could explain that grammatical oddity.

Those suitably protected hikers took time to saunter round the ridge, looking at the views, watching a passing ibex and noticing others hikers sheltering under trees, some with picnics. Some told us in a despairing tone that the restaurants were full, so it was just as well that we had a reservation. 

The restaurant was cosy and had good local mountain fare which was washed down with the odd beer or glass of wine. Several took the pudding option of an ice cream flavoured with the local eau de vie – absinthe. Richard’s famous bottle contained an excellent Armenian cognac. We toasted absent friends, especially the GINjured.

The rain was falling quite heavily after lunch, but there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. Which was exactly the problem for some of our party who had over relied on the weather forecast (or read the wrong one) as some three or four did not have rain gear. Our experienced hiking group organiser came to the rescue for two as he had three sets of rain gear with him. As a result, he himself wore a bright green poncho, which earned him the nickname of the Jolly Green Giant.

Even though the trail back to the Gare was easier and shorter than the one up, there were some slippery parts that challenged some of our group who realised their age a little bit as young children overtook them hopping, skipping and jumping. As we approached Noiraigue, the rain stopped.

A lovely hike, already a favourite for some and newly discovered for others.

Distance 14 kms; height difference 750m.