Col des Combes circuit (no. 9)

Description

A very scenic route alternating between forest and the hamlets of Champcella. Contrasting scenery between an ascent scattered with a few of the hamlets of Champcella and a descent through the huge forest on the north-facing side of Freissinières. The route starts at the bridge spanning the Pavis, amidst cool, fresh surrounding on a track running upstream along the right-hand bank of the Biaysse mountain stream. - 700 metres from the starting point, leave the track and continue straight ahead towards Les Rousses - In Les Rousses, when you come to the end of the track on a bend, head to the right on the paved road and continue on uphill. After 200 metres, leave the road right and then follow the track which crosses the road twice before coming to Rase de Roussac - Rejoin the road and then carry on uphill. After 1 kilometre, turn right towards Les Faures and then carry on towards the Col des Combes - At the Col des Combes, carry straight on along a balcony path - 350 metres after crossing the mountain stream Le Gourenq, head right and go downhill towards the park country cabin ("Cabane Pastorale du Parc") and then La Muande - At the end of the track, go right onto another track which follows the Biaysse downstream on the right-hand bank, bringing you to your starting point

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne(Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Parking du kiosque entrée de la vallée, Freissinières, Freissinières (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/968296-VTT-N09---Circuit-du-Col-des-Combes). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 635 m, Parc national des Écrins