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Park in the car park just before the first roundabout indicating the entrance to the D5 in Combe Grive, connecting Eybens to Tavernolles. The Verderet torrent is nearby, as is the terminus of the C4 bus line.
(S/E) Cross the roundabout to find a path opposite that runs north along the Eybens velodrome, then climbs in hairpin bends to reach a small plateau, which is none other than the former private park of the nearby château. After passing through a low wall, it eventually leads to a crossroads of tracks at the La Croix sign.
(1) Head east up the Chemin de l'Oratoire, passing close to Camp de Poisat. You will reach the Verdelettes fork, marked by a sign.
(2) Continue straight ahead on the Chemin de l'Oratoire. Shortly afterwards, ignore a path climbing straight ahead and turn right, walking alongside beautiful pastures. Take another left turn and you will arrive at the charming hamlet of Romage.
(3) From Place de la Fontaine, take Chemin du Pré opposite, which climbs diagonally to join Route des Maquis.
(4) Follow it for about ten metres to the right to find the start of a path at the foot of a sloping mountain pasture.
It quickly splits in two, and the best option is to take the left branch, which is slightly less steep. It leads to the top of the Civières meadow, offering a breathtaking view of the Grenoble metropolitan area.
(5) Then follow the path that goes around the northern side of the Civières summit to reach a forest track. Take this track eastwards, ignoring the first marked path that descends towards Romage and the second that climbs up to Montagne du Mulet. After crossing a valley, you will see the start of a new path descending to the left. A red forest mark 4 on a tree indicates this fork.
(6) Follow it for 50 metres before looking for the start of a path on the left. It can be difficult to see in the vegetation, but it eventually turns left and becomes more clearly marked. It then descends to join a marked circular path.
Follow it to the right for 50 metres before leaving it for a new path on the left, marked by a yellow cross at its start. Shortly before crossing a small valley, leave it for another path on the left, which eventually leads to a small pass.
Do not descend into a clearing on the left, but continue straight ahead on a ridge along a good path. When you reach a new small pass not far from a high-voltage power line, go around the ridge to the north, still on a path, which leads to the Col du Gourlu.
(7) A good path climbs gently north-westwards. However, it is more interesting to climb the double grassy hill of Le Gourlu on your left to enjoy the best views. Then rejoin the main route as you head towards Les Batteries-Hautes du Mûrier. It eventually makes a wide turn to the left to rejoin the Route des Maquis.
(8) Cross it to reach a path running alongside a field. Then, lined with trees, it leads to a small road which, on the left, quickly takes you to the hamlet of Le Bigot.
(9) Go up a path on the left, passing an orientation table showing Grenoble and its surroundings. When you reach the Bois de Pisalis fork, take the right-hand branch. Descending gently, it eventually rejoins the Verdelettes fork.
(2) The end of the descent follows the same route as the outward journey to return to the starting point. (S/E)
Visorando member
Easy 
