Roquefort-les-Cascades - Roc des Abeilles - Heath circular

Park in the village, which is never crowded. Another option is to park in the waterfall car park.

(S/E) Head north and pass La Turègne.

(1) Look for the return path on the left and take the small road diagonally to the left to join the D1. Turn left and follow the road carefully for about 60 metres , then cross to reach the church. Go around it on the right and follow the path that climbs generally northwards through a fairly steep wood.

(2) When you reach the top, turn left and walk alongside the ruins of Castelas. You can also go up to the left and walk through the ruins, which offer a beautiful view to the south. After the castle, continue westwards along the ridge and walk past the first climbing spot: note the humorous names given to the different routes, which reach a difficulty level of 7C! Further on, climb down the rocks, taking care to reach the antennas: there is a beautiful view to the north as you walk around the antennas on the right.

(3) Take the forest road that descends westwards and continue to the hairpin bend on the left.

(4) Leave the road and take the path that climbs up to the right towards the ridge. Once at the top, continue to the left, towards the west, until you reach a fork in the path that you can't miss: coloured markings on the rocks.

(5) Turn right to pass through an impressive fault, which will lead you to the foot of the second climbing spot, even more technical than the^first! Look for the descent path on the left, continue along the foot of the cliff, and take a look a little further on: watch out for deep holes between the rocks!

(6) Retrace your steps, then descend to the right along the steep path into the woods. You will reach a fork in the path.

(7) Turn left onto the path, then descend, walking alongside the fields, to the hamlet of heath. Descend a little further down on the right to admire an underground fountain, where a few stone steps lead to the bottom.

(8) Go back up into the hamlet, then take the path that branches off to the right, heading east, and follow it until you reach the start of the hairpin bend on the left. Then turn right before you reach the buildings. Continue for about 350 metres.

(9) Following the GPX track, leave the path and head down to the right across the field: there are several animal tracks in the grass. Join the RD1 and follow it to the left, eastwards, to the hamlet of Carol, where you will find the town hall of Roquefort-les-Cascades.

(10) In the hamlet, turn right, then left, and head towards La Turègne. Continue on the left to reach the starting point.

(1) Turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

The climb to point (2) is quite steep and can be a little slippery.

The climb to point (5) is quite steep and can be slippery. The ridge is rocky and you will need to use your hands a little. Nothing dangerous.

(7) The descent is quite steep and can be a little slippery.

Make sure you close the electric fences you cross to prevent the cows from escaping.

Between (2) and (3): see the castle ruins, then the first climbing spot.

(6) Second climbing spot and beautiful view to the south if you go to the end of the site.