Grambaechle circuit in Masevaux

Access from the Pont d’Aspach roundabout via the D466, towards Masevaux. Before reaching the town, at the roundabout in Lauw, turn left onto the D14 bis, towards Rougemont-le-Château. On leaving the village, continue slightly to the right along the same road in the same direction. After the business park, turn right towards Masevaux. On arrival, at the roundabout, turn left towards Schimmel, the fitness trail and the heritage orchard. The small car park (around ten spaces) is immediately on the left, at the start of the fitness trail.

Red Ring signposting

(S/E) Set off along the small access road to the fitness trail, Chemin du Sudel, which slopes gently downwards.At the roundabout by the gendarmerie, continue straight on along Rue Paul Burgy. On the left are the Joseph Vogt Middle and High Schools.

(1) Take the first street on the right (Rue des Cerisiers), which becomes a stony track and joins the GR® 531.

(2) Head downhill to the right onto the GR® 531 and continue through the forest. You’ll come to some houses; carry on straight ahead along a track suitable for vehicles, which becomes tarmac. Walk past an imposing property at a place called Bifang.

(3) Leave the small road and the GR® 531 to head up the path on the right, marked with both a Red Ring and a Blue Triangle. At the top, continue to the right (elevation 426). Lovely views towards Galgenbourg.

(4) When you reach the D710, follow it to the right for about 200 m and leave it to take the first path on the left.

(5) Leave this track and the Blue Triangle markings for a small path leading down to the right. Cross an iron footbridge over a stream called the Thallungrunzbach.The path climbs again; it is narrow and winds quite a bit before joining the fitness trail. There are paths everywhere. Continue following the markings. The path becomes a narrow track and climbs in a series of zigzags.

(6) At the 539-metre mark, carry on straight ahead; the path climbs further. Further on, follow a forest track that descends to the right.

(7) Turn left onto the path that leads down. Take the wooden footbridge to cross the stream before a short climb back up to the car park (S/E).

Based on a suggestion by Pierre Brunner (Rando LTD 68).