The ‘Échelle des 16 écluses’ circular loop

Park in the car park at the Activital leisure centre.

(S/E) Starting from the hire area, follow the Ruisseau de Venin towards the Cercle Nivernais de la Voile. Carry on straight ahead until you reach the end of the campsite. At this point, take the bridge on your left.

(1) Once on the bridge, carry on straight ahead until you reach the road. At the junction, turn right and take the cycle path on your left.

(2) Once you’re on the cycle path, follow it until you reach a stone bridge on your left and a footpath ahead of you.

(3)Cross the bridge, follow the signposts and turn immediately right after passing the building. Continue along the cycle path, following the 16 locks, until you reach the junction with the D297. 

(4) Carry on to the left, over a small pass, which involves an uphill climb for most of this section. After these 2 kilometres, pass through the hamlet of Mondain and arrive at a Fork in the road, with the departmental road continuing to the left and a farm track straight ahead. 

(5) Take the farm track straight ahead until you reach a junction with a road. 

(6) Carry on straight ahead along the farm track. You’ll cometo a signpost indicating you should continue along the track to the left, a few metres before a road – do not take this road.

(7) Turn left and continue along a forest track, signposted by markers. You’ll reach the edge of the forest, with a private property on your left and a stretch of road on your right. 

(8) Take the road on the right, which goes downhill, and, atthe end of it, you’ll join the D135.

(9) Turn left, taking the wooden footbridge on the right-hand side of the road, the ‘Sentier de la Libellule’. Continue along this path until it ends. 

(10) At the end of the path, take the road on the left, then turn right and enter the car park. Once you’ve crossed it, carry on until you reach a red platform overlooking the stream. Turn immediately left and follow this path to the finish point, in front of the hire centre (S/E).

Parking is available in the car park at the Activital leisure centre. This is a walk suitable for everyone, whether on foot or by mountain bike. The route is signposted as a mountain bike route, so please ensure you follow these specific signposts.

The main highlight of this route is that it takes you along a variety of paths, offering a changing landscape throughout the walk. Whether you’re more at ease on cycle paths or on farm tracks – which can sometimes be tricky to navigate – this route is fascinating for its diversity.

In terms of heritage, it offers views of the small surrounding villages, the Voûtes de la Collancelle and the Échelle des 16 écluses.

In terms of wildlife, you’ll be able to spot herons, coypu, egrets, buzzards and even storks along this route.