The ridges of Mont Lozère, Trail #18.

Description

A pretty and long circuit, partly in the forest, partly on the ridges, which links the Col de Finiels pass with the bucolic holiday spot of Le Mas de la Barque, via Pic Cassini and charming hamlets. The only slight drawback: the loop is mostly on tracks. The first section is very easy to run, on a forest track, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views. The second section is on paths with a few more uphill portions, leading to Pic Cassini (1,680 metres) and then back down to Le Mas de la Barque, a magnificent section! Then another easy-to-run portion on tracks, through beautiful hamlets that are typical for the massif. After L'Hôpital, the last climb of the circuit, on paths (200m of elevation gain). Then a few kilometres on the flat, on the former railway, to finish. Follow the waymarks for trail #18. Signposts will guide you all along this route, as well as yellow painted waymarks. In the description below, the signposted place names and/or directions are given in bold italics between quotation marks: From "Col de Finiels", head towards "Pic de Cassini" via : - "Ancienne voie romaine", - "Louzero de Broussoux", - "La Peyre Plantade" and - "Ravin de la Levade". - At "Pic Cassini", take "Mas de La Barque" via : - "col de l'Aigle", - "Sous la tête de Bœuf", - "Bois de Bellecoste". - At "Mas de La Barque", head to "L'Hôpital" via: - " Martelet", - "Gardièzes", - "Sénégrières", - " La Planette", - "Bellecoste", - "Mas Camargues", - At "L'Hôpital", return to "col de Finiels", via : - "Salarials", and "Ancienne voie romaine" (GR®7 long-distance path). This hike is taken from the guidebook Mont Lozère - Pays des sources, published by the Pôle de pleine nature du mont Lozère.

Difficulty

Official rating: easy, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• The summit is often windy, don’t forget your windcheater. Do not attempt this trail during strong fog or strong winds. Be particularly vigilant when there is snow and/or fog. Caution: livestock guard dogs (patous) in the Cassini area! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres. Before committing yourself to a circuit, ensure that it is suitable for your activity level and ability. Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Please close all gates and barriers behind you. Stay on the marked path.

Getting there

Start: Col de Finiels, Pont de Montvert - Sud Mont Lozère (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/74849-Cretes-du-Mont-Lozere---Trail-n18). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 644 m, Parc national des Cévennes