MTB 12 - The ridges of the Vallée Borgne, graded red

Description

“De serres en valats”, or from ridge to valley, such is the leitmotiv of this superb endurance circuit, which takes you from the summit of mont Aigoual to the floor of the vallée Borgne to discover the Cévennes! Please take into account the technicality and duration of this circuit. 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 the observatory, head due east,go to - "Sommet" then - "Menhir du Trépaloup", - "Source du Tarnon", - "Font de Trépaloup", then - « Combe de Lambert ». Go to - « Col de l’Estrade », - « Côte 1100 » and - le « Coulet ». Continue on level ground to - “Aire de Côte”. Take the left just before the gîte (2) towards - “Sestrière”, - « Combe Radal ». Turn right and go straight down to a track. Skip to - « Serre des Buges ». Then continue to the right, always staying on the same track up to « Saint-André de Valborgne ». 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.

Difficulty

Official rating: difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• NB: The start and finish 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: This trail 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) at the summit and at Col Salidès pass! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres.

Getting there

Start: Le 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/43863-Les-serres-de-la-Vallee-Borgne---VTT-n12). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 334 m, Parc national des Cévennes