Circular route around Ancelle

A walk that allows you to appreciate the lovely setting of the village of Ancelle, nestled at the end of the Plaine de Lachaup, with beautiful views over the village. You start by following the Rouanne river, then take a lovely ridge path overlooking Ancelle before tackling the only challenging part of the walk: the climb to the antennas before reaching the Plateau de Libouze and its lake. You then descend back into the Plaine de Lachaup, passing the Ancelle leisure centre, and return to the village.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.52 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 932 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 928 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,016 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,291 ft

Description of the walk

Park at the start of the cross-country ski trails next to the Rouanne.

(S/E) Set off along a lovely, shaded path beside the Rouanne. Follow the left bank until you reach the bridge over the Rouanne.

(1) Cross the Rouanne via this bridge at Pierre Blonde, then turn left for a few metres before heading towards Cousteilles on the right and climbing a slightly steep slope to the ridge path.

(2) Turn left and follow the lovely ridge path which passes above some beautiful chalets and offers stunning views of the village. Head towards the hamlet of Les Copusteilles.

(3) Turn right (almost a hairpin bend) towards Libouze to begin the ascent through an alpine pasture area at the foot of the Cuchon. Reach the antennas and, shortly afterwards, the highest point of the hike.

(4) Continue due north towards Libouze. Cross the GR®50, continue the descent through a shaded area to reach the Libouze plateau.

(5) Turn right to walk around the hillside reservoir.

(5) Take the track opposite and you’ll soon reach the Combe crossroads.

(6) Continue to the right to reach the D13.

(7) Follow it to the left with great care for 200 m. Leave it at the Croix crossroads and take the path opposite. Take care here as the slope is quite steep, then join the GR®50 at the Preyt crossroads.

(8) Take it to the left, taking care when crossing the D514. You will then reach the leisure centre.

(9) Turn left, walk alongside the leisure centre and head for its car park.

(10) Leave the GR® here, join the D13 and follow it to the left with care before reaching the car park for the cross-country ski trails (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,390 ft - Car park for the cross-country ski trails
  2. 1 : mi 0.52 - alt. 4,485 ft - Bridge over the Rouanne
  3. 2 : mi 0.97 - alt. 4,633 ft - Ridge path
  4. 3 : mi 2.45 - alt. 4,596 ft - Les Cousteilles
  5. 4 : mi 3.12 - alt. 5,013 ft - The antennas
  6. 5 : mi 3.65 - alt. 4,757 ft - Libouze
  7. 6 : mi 4.63 - alt. 4,623 ft - La Combe crossroads
  8. 7 : mi 5.3 - alt. 4,442 ft - D13 - Canal de Gap
  9. 8 : mi 6.01 - alt. 4,314 ft - Le Preyt and the GR50
  10. 9 : mi 6.74 - alt. 4,295 ft - Leisure centre
  11. 10 : mi 7.04 - alt. 4,341 ft - Leisure Centre car park
  12. S/E : mi 7.52 - alt. 4,390 ft - Car park for the cross-country ski trails

Notes

There is a water point in Libouze, but much of the walk is in open country and it can get hot in summer. You can shorten the walk by heading back towards Ancelle de Libouze without going via the leisure centre (about 2 km shorter).
Water point and toilets at the Ancelle leisure centre.
Take care when crossing tarmac roads.

Worth a visit

(4) Les Antennes: enjoy the view here of Ancelle and all the hamlets of the village.
Picnics are possible at (5) Libouze and (9) at the Ancelle leisure centre.
(9) Snack bar at the leisure centre to quench your thirst.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.