MTB 11 - Descent to Meyrueis, graded red

Description

One of the emblematic descents of the area, which presents no particular difficulty except for speed management. The contrast between the summit of Mont Aigoual and the “southern” bustle of Meyrueis is always striking… Signposts will guide you all along this route. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks: From "L'observatoire" go to: - "Le Sommet de l'Aigoual", head down to the left on the GR® 6-7-66 trail towards “le Pontet” via - "La Source", then - At "Le Pontet" turn left and follow “Station de Prat Peyrot” via - "La Baraquette", - "La Sapinière", - "Balcons de l'Aigoual", - At "Station de Prat Peyrot" take the GR® 6 towards “Col de la Caumette” via - "Les Fayards",then - At "Col de la Caumette" continue on the track, , make sure you take the turn-off on the left onto the former escape lane, to reach - “La Croix de Fer”. Stay on the ridge until you reach “La Pierre Plantée” via - "Goulet". - At “La Pierre Plantée”, start the descent towards “Meyrueis” via - “Bout de côte” cross the road and continue on the track (the GR® 6) via - "Roquedols". Go to - "Béthuzon", reach the D 986, take the path on the other side and continue to - “Meyrueis”. This circuit is taken from the guidebook Massif de l’Aigoual, published by the communauté de communes Causses Aigoual Cévennes as part of the collection Espaces naturels gardois and the label Gard Pleine Nature.Nature.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• NB: The starting point and arrival are not in the same place. Make sure you organise return transport for yourself. Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. You must wear a helmet. Protective equipment is recommended. Respect other road users and stay in control of your speed and trajectory. NB: The circuit is also used by horse riders. Make sure your equipment is appropriate for the day’s weather conditions. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Take enough water. Please close all gates and barriers behind you. No off-roading.
• Caution: patous (livestock guard dogs) on Mont Aigoual! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres!

Getting there

Start: Sommet de l’Aigoual, Val-d'Aigoual (30).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/42485-Descente-de-Meyrueis---VTT-n11). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 260 m, Parc national des Cévennes