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From Caen, take exit 11 (Suisse Normande), the D562 dual carriageway, then the D257 after Mutrecy. Drive through the forest and take the track on the right before Grimbosq. Park in the Sainte-Anne car park in Grimbosq at the Carrefour des Longours.
(S/E) Take the straight, flat forest path opposite, under a magnificent stand of oak trees. Reach La Motte de Charbonnier, with an information sign.
(1) Turn right, then further on cross the Ruisseau de la Petite Vallée before reaching the junction with the D257.
(2) Cross it carefully and continue up a gentle slope along a long straight stretch on the Route de la Flague. Reach the highest point.
(3) Head downhill to the left to reach the Ruisseau de la Petite Vallée once more.
(4) Cross the former lake, now ‘renatured’ as a wetland, before heading back up towards the wildlife park. Walk around it, taking care to keep a safe distance. Caution here: if there is a dog present, take the path running parallel to the park’s outer fence.
(5) On the way back, head down to the right along the stream. You’ll soon reach theGR®36, marked in white and red, and continue on to reach the Chêne Guillot picnic area.
(6) Continue along theGR® to reach the crossroads at the medieval motte, the remains of a medieval fortification.
(7) Here you have two options:
- turn left to return to the original crossroads at La Motte de Charbonnier,
- continue along theGR®(this is the route shown on the map) to reach the right bank of the Orne.
(8) Turn left and follow the river towards the viaduct. You will reach the Sainte-Anne Chapel, a picnic area and an information board.
(9) Behind the chapel, take the steep path on the right to climb up and reach the greenway. At the greenway, turn left towards the south, following the sunken path. You will reach a crossroads with several directions.
(10) Turn slightly right onto the straight forest track and head for the Sainte-Anne car park
(S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
