Circular path and switchbacks from Meaulne to Urçay

Park near the D312 junction in the hamlet of La Chapelle.

(S/E) Head up to the right along the Route de la Chapelle and join the^GR®41; see the note in the ‘Practical Information’ section.

(1) Set off straight ahead onto the^GR®41, following the red and white markings. You’ll reach the junction with the path leading to Montbout.

(2) Carry on to the right along the^GR®, and you’ll soon come to a small pond. Walk past it and you’ll immediately come to a crossroads of footpaths.

(3) Leave the^GR®, take the path on the right, carry on, cross the road and enter Pontoux. Continue straight ahead, crossing another road. Cross the railway line and reach the riverside path.

(4) Turn left onto it and carry on to the level crossing. Turn right and you’ll come to a four-way junction straight away.

(5) Head straight on along Rue de la Gare until you reach the junction with Rue du Commerce.

(6) Turn left onto this street to reach the church. At the end of the street, continue along the footpath and cross the D445. Follow the Chemin des Combles to reach the hamlet of Les Pics.

(7) At the end of the street, opposite the farm, turn right onto Chemin de Vaux.

(8) Here, make a zigzag turn to take the path that runs alongside the field and descends steeply. Cross the Ruisseau du Bignon. Then begin an easy climb that ends at the junction with the Route du Stade.

(9) Turn right onto this road until you reach the junction with the D2144.

(10) Cross the road, facing the junction, and turn left onto the path running parallel to this road. Continue along a path that widens and join a four-way junction with roads running at right angles.

(11) Turn right onto Rue Le Vernet. You’ll reach the hamlet of Le Verner at the junction with the D312, just before the bridge.

(12) Turn right onto the path running alongside the River Cher. Carry on and pass through the Tizais neighbourhood. After the town hall, turn left onto the Route Nationale, then turn left at the next junction to reach the junction with Rue de la Gare, which you passed on the way there.

(6) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to reach the level crossing junction.

(5) Just before this junction, turn left to follow the canal along the newly developed greenway. Continue on to reach the car park at the Hameau de la Chapelle (S/E).

(S/E) Note: for safety reasons, avoid the^GR® 41 at the hamlet of Valigny, in the commune of Meaulne, as a dog may occasionally behave erratically here.
Toilets and a water point are located near the church.