Châtelaudren walks

The River Leff, which rises north of Quintin, flows away from the town and heads northwards. Châtelaudren is the first village it flows through. It is inextricably linked to the history of this ancient town: tragedies caused by devastating floods in times gone by, a source of energy for the paper mills of *Le Petit Écho de la Mode* in more modern times, and recreational activities on and around the reservoir today. This route invites you to discover these different aspects: it takes you round the reservoir, along the river and to its waterfall. At the end of the route, it winds through the old streets lined with stone buildings in this small village, which has been designated a ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’.

Just a stone’s throw from the Goëlo coast, this walk through time will introduce you to a rich and varied heritage. As you make your way through woods along narrow, winding and sometimes damp paths, you’ll learn about the history of the watercourses that have always been so important to the local people. This route, which is circular in nature and covers the north and south of the town, will take you from the 15th-century Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Cour to Saint-Oswald’s Church, on to the ponds, and then to the Sentier des Trois Fontaines.

Forest paths, often damp; intriguing and mysterious woodland that surely conceals ancient tales; secluded meadows; a fountain. This is a walk in the heart of nature that passes very close to the site of the old Cour, which has not yet revealed all its secrets, and a little further on, ‘la Maison de la Terre’, an educational centre dedicated to environmental protection. The completely flat and very accessible route will take you to the Chapel of Pabu in the neighbouring commune of Tréguidel and back via the Bois de la Salle, ending at the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Cour.

Starting from the Notre-Dame-de-l'Isle Chapel, walk through the countryside towards Leff. A relatively easy walk which, as you pass through woodland and along rivers and streams, will allow you to discover the typical Breton countryside.

The Bois d'Avaugour and Meur offer a mix of gravel tracks and footpaths. The Tro Vras route follows the western circular loop, featuring beautiful paths through heathland, along the Avaugour (which reveals its beauty in winter, when the vegetation clears) and forest tracks. The transition to the eastern circular loop is challenging (with mud in winter) but offers sections passing by some very beautiful trees. The eastern circular loop, pleasant at the start, is less interesting on the return leg, except for the last three kilometres of descent, initially amongst tree stumps in a fir forest.

This circular route around the village of Trémuson will first take you along the outskirts of the village via major tarmac roads, then dirt tracks and forest paths will guide you alongside streams and the Gouët, eventually leading you higher up to the site of the old mines.

Set apart from the main roads, the village centre and its church, the chapel and its shops, lies the ‘village’ of Trévenais, which is home to nearly half of Lantic’s population. This route invites you to walk around it, without actually entering the centre. Featuring a few steep ascents and descents, narrow and winding paths, wooded sunken lanes and local tracks, this circular route will introduce you to the legend of the Chaise menhir, the history of the Fontaine aux Moines and the origins of the village’s ponds. A lovely circular route that partly overlooks the meandering course of the River Ic in the heart of the Lantic countryside.

A walk almost entirely in the forest with sections along sunken paths. This route leads to a disused quarry that is now a pond (see photo).

A walk starting from the small and charming village of La Méaugon, through the woods on wide paths accessible all year round. You will have a constant view of the Gouet reservoir with viewpoints offering multiple photo opportunities.

Stretching across 81 hectares, Lake Saint-Barthélémy is flanked by a path that winds through woodland and along the edges of fields. As you wander through this beautiful countryside, imposing structures come into view: the 45-metre-high Gouët Dam and the majestic viaduct of the Paris-Brest railway line. The older village of La Méaugon boasts a wealth of picturesque architecture. The lake also conceals treasures from days gone by. Today, it is a delight for anglers and recreational boaters alike.

You won’t see any charcoal burners. However, as you enjoy this gentle walk, which can be done in any season, you’ll be able to imagine their lives in this forest of majestic trees. There’s no need to worry about getting lost – the route is clearly signposted.

A lovely walk through the countryside and along the coast. Stop off at the lovely Palus Beach for a refreshing swim and a delicious, energising crêpe!

A walk through the western part of this commune. Walking along quiet country lanes, you’ll reach the banks of the Trieux to discover a structure as unusual as it is spectacular: the viaduct of the former Guingamp–Saint-Nicolas-du-Pélem railway line.

The Ic is a small river, 17 km long, which flows into the English Channel at Binic. After a short climb up the cliffs at the harbour exit, you reach a tributary of the Ic at Lantic, and rejoin the river at Notre-Dame de La Cour, from where it takes you back to Binic. Along the way, you’ll discover two tourist attractions: the Lantic Adventure Park and Trégomeur Zoo. This route takes you through the hinterland of South Goëlo.

Apart from a few unavoidable sections on tarmac roads, most of the walk follows farm tracks, sometimes through woodland. The reward for this approach route is the walk along Palus Beach, followed by theGR®34 trail. A somewhat steep route offering views of the cliffs at Plouha and the Pointe de Bec de Vir.

Just a stone’s throw from Guingamp, explore the south-western countryside of Ploumagoar, starting from Saint-Hernin. From wild valleys to country lanes, make your way to the right bank of the Trieux, where the river is still somewhat torrential, then visit the Kerlosquer Viaduct, which bears a passing resemblance to the ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. Then enjoy the centre of Saint-Hernin with its beautifully restored heritage.You’ll have no trouble at all on this route, which combines all sorts of paths and offers you, by turns, lovely shelter beneath the canopy of trees and completely unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside.

A circular route starting from Pabu, the majority of which is within the municipality of Saint-Agathon. It has been accredited by the French Hiking Federation.

A walking route that runs partly alongside the Trieux and offers views of two old mills once used for flax scutching. This route, of which I am one of the authors, was created by the municipality of Pabu and accredited by the French Hiking Federation. Trail marked in yellow.

A walk through the Pludual countryside: chapels, woods, fields, orchards, wash houses, fountains, etc. – there’s plenty of variety to be found everywhere.

A short walk through the Pludual countryside, crossing a wetland known as Le Lan. A pleasant family walk.

Historically dedicated to Marc Faucon (a pioneer of hiking in the Côtes d'Armor), this hike will allow nature lovers to explore the foothills of the Gouët and the wooded hills of the surrounding countryside.

Plouha is home to the highest cliffs in Brittany. You can explore them on theGR®®34. Very close to the village centre, starting from the town centre, the first half of this short route follows beautiful sunken paths typical of the Goëlo region and then passes through a few villages with lovely stone houses. Along the route, there are several granite wayside crosses.

Leave the village of Plouha and head for Saint-Jean Chapel along the country lanes. These are tarmac-surfaced, except for a short stretch which is a farm track but is easily passable.

A short walk that allows you to discover the village of Tréveneuc and its coastline via the customs officers' path.

A short stretch on theGR®34at the start of the walk offers a glimpse of the pleasure of rediscovering these magnificent seascapes at the end of the route, which change with the tides. In between, the path takes you a little further inland, along small coastal rivers or following the old railway line of the Côtes du Nord narrow-gauge railway. A few examples of built heritage enhance this route: a mill, a wayside shrine, railway viaducts, a chapel and seaside villas.

This route reveals a little-known side of Saint-Quay-Portrieux.The narrow streets, lined with old buildings or modern villas, link three monuments that have had their moments of glory: the Saint-Michel windmill, the circular Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel and the Saint-Quay Fountain, which is said to be the origin of the town’s founding.Two parks offer a chance to take a break: the Parc de la Duchesse Anne and the Parc des Druides, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a setting steeped in legend.Superb views from theGR®®34.

A hike to enjoy the sea views, but also the unique trails of the Breton countryside.

A short, easy walk that takes you through the Goelo countryside and gently down to Bréhec beach.The only requirement is to have two cars. Best undertaken with friends.

This route was used for the second edition of the Plouha 24-hour sports event. Starting from the superb Palus beach, it leads to Keregal Chapel and ends along the small coastal river of Plouhatin, the Corzic, which takes us back to the sea. The route is mainly through woodland.

A walk mainly through woodland that leads from the Saint-Jacques Chapel to the heart of the Bois Gelin estate. Partially signposted walk. Best undertaken from April to October as sections can be muddy in winter.

This rural route in Goëlo, along a hilly route, half of which is in the woods, offers the chance to discover elements of heritage of great historical interest, such as the Saint-Jacques Chapel and the Lanleff Temple.Please note that from Crec'h Lanleff onwards, the route is not signposted, so it is essential to use the Visorando app with its GPS pin. This walk is best done between May and October as the route can be very muddy.

This route was used for the first edition of the 24h du Sport de Plouha. Starting from the superb Plage du Palus, it runs alongside Le Corzic and climbs gently up an old sunken path to Pointe de Plouha. From there, the view is magnificent. You then descend back to Palus via theGR®34.

A lovely hike starting from Palus Beach, which will take you along the customs officers' path to the Port of Gwin Zégal with its distinctive mooring posts, which are almost unique in the region. The passage through Pointe de Plouha and Le Pommier offers magnificent views of the coast and the highest coastal cliffs in Brittany. The return journey is along rural roads through various typical hamlets and beautiful forest paths.

A hike that begins with a gentle climb on a tarmac road, allowing you to warm up before following the GR®34, which is more rugged. The last third of the hike offers breathtaking views of the sea as you pass by Pointe de Plouha (the highest cliff in Brittany). Like any circular, it can also be done in the opposite direction, thus avoiding a descent down stairs that may be considered problematic. In this case, you will need to make a significant effort from the outset.

From Port Goret, follow the coastal path along the heights of the Goëlo coast. From the top of the steep cliff, breathe in the sea mist and the scents of unspoilt nature. Nestled between land and sea, the heart of the village, with its recent developments, retains its old-world charm. As you walk along the route, its old stones echo a calm and serene way of life, woven with local tales and legends.

From the Chapel of La Trinité, the route quickly reaches the cliffs. It then follows theGR®34along a fairly rugged section, but with unobstructed views (from Bréhat to Saint-Quay) and numerous possible stopping points. At the lowest point, the beaches of Port Moguer and Gwin zegal are particularly enjoyable. You leave theGR®34before reaching Palus beach, and old sunken paths lead back to small roads that pass through pretty villages to return to the starting point.

This is a magnificent route through the Breton countryside, with everything we love: short steep climbs, sunken paths, undergrowth and a sublime riverside.

One of the most beautiful walks in the department, passing through the Bois des Mauriers and the Chaos du Gouët. A mixed walk, a third on roads, the rest on paths and trails. The route is well signposted in yellow on posts. The route can be tricky after heavy rain. Firstly, there is the charm of the names of the paths and trails indicated on the signs. Then there is the vegetation and its variety, as you cross the departmental forest: the Bois des Mauriers. Finally, there are the Chaos du Gouët, a spectacular pile of rocks on the Rivière du Gouët, which you skirt around.