Village on Mont Lozère’s northern slope, Trail #16

Description

A runnable trail that goes down to Cubières from the Station and back up to the Col de Finiels pass. After the first kilometre, which is identical to trail #15, this trail forks east onto the path that goes downhill to Lozeret. From there, a pleasant path between forest and pasture takes you the rest of the way down to Cubières. You then start to climb through the forest, on a path for the first 3 kilometres and then on a track for the next 5. These 8 km of continuous uphill with 650 m of elevation gain take you to the Col de Finiels pass. The magnificent views are ample reward for your efforts. You climb a few more metres towards the summit so as to enjoy the panoramic views, then fork onto the GR®70, which leads back to the Station. Follow the waymarks for trail #16. 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 the "Station du mont-Lozère", go down to "Cubières" via : - "La Massola", - "Le Bois de Neyrac", - "Lozeret", - "Le Réservoir". - At “Cubières” go down to - “Village”, then go up to “Col de Finiels” via : - “Pelloufet”, - “Bois du Mathieu”, - “Louzero de Broussoux”, - “Ancienne Voie Romaine”. - At the “Col de Finiels” return to the “Station du mont-Lozère” via : - “Col de Finiels”, - “Sous le Col de Finiels”, - “Col de la Draille” (2), - “Parking des Chômeurs”, - “La Chapelle du Mont Lozère”. This trail is taken from the guidebook Mont Lozère, Pays des sources, published by the Pôle de pleine nature du mont Lozère.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Cévennes.

Before you go

• The summit is often windy, don’t forget your windcheater. Do not attempt this trail during dense fog or strong winds. Be particularly vigilant when there is snow and/or fog. Caution: patous (livestock guard dogs) around Finiels! Seek advice on how to behave near these dogs from tourist offices and National Park information centres. If you are starting this trail at the Station, the entire first stretch is downhill. Make sure you are sufficiently fit to come back uphill. 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: Station du Mont-Lozère, Cubières (48).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Cévennes, Licence Ouverte 1.0, Licence Ouverte 1.0 (Etalab) (destination.cevennes-parcnational.fr/trek/74863-Villages-Nord-Mont-Lozere---Trail-n16). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 702 m, Parc national des Cévennes