MTB 14 - The 3 rivers challenge, graded black

Description

A superb and challenging trek through varied landscapes and atmospheres ranging from the forests of Mont Aigoual to the valleys of the Trévezel or Dourbie, alternating between rolling paths and technical single tracks. 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: Starting from “Camprieu”, head towards "col des Ubertes" via - "Le Cros", - "Tabarde", - "Maison du bois", - "Tailladette", - "Terondel". - At "col des Ubertes" follow "Col du Suquet". - At “col du Suquet” follow the GR® trail towards - “Le Vieux Hêtre”, then turn left towards - "La plaine de Vialat", - “Mont Mal”, "Serre de Cade". - From “Serre de Cade”, there is a technical descent to the road. Turn left onto the road for 1 km till you reach - "Sous le col des Rhodes". Turn right and follow “Canayère” via - "Le pas du Coulet" and - "Les Pins noirs", then continue to “Comeiras” - At "Comeiras" start the long climb to - “La Roque”. Take the road on the left towards - "Valat de Malbosc", then turn left to - “Les Monts”. Then head towards "Pont de l’Âne" via - "La Combette", - "La Matte" and - "Conduite forcée". - At “Pont de l’Âne”, go to “St Sauveur des Pourcils” via - "Le Muguet", - "La Fonderie", - "Valat de la Fonderie". Then head for - “Carrefour des Pourcils”. Turn right to return to "Camprieu" via - "Travadaire", - "Rouveyrolle", - "Abîme de Bramabiau", - "Perte de Bramabiau", - "La mairie", - "La Croix basse". 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: very difficult, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• 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. 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.

Getting there

Start: St Sauveur Camprieu, Saint-Sauveur-Camprieu (30).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/43925-Le-defi-des-trois-rivieres---VTT-n14). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 1,349 m, Parc national des Cévennes