Grand tour of Golf Bayard to the Drac Canal

On the RN85, between Gap and Grenoble, park at the Gap Bayard Golf Club (oxygenation centre).
A free shuttle bus runs between Gap and Bayard every summer (line 73) and every winter (line 75).

(S/E) From the car park, take the path south for 220 m, following the arrows for the fitness trail, until you reach the first crossroads.

(1) Take the path that climbs to the left and continue to follow the fitness trail signs, heading east until you reach the next junction.

(2) Turn left (direction North) until you reach a track at altitude 1258.

(3) Turn right and follow the track eastwards. It gradually turns south-east and passes close to a pond. About 300 m after the pond, the track turns sharply south. Follow it for 650 m until you reach a fork.

(4) Take the small path that goes straight ahead and joins another track.

(5) Descend left on the track, heading southeast, for 150 m until you reach a crossroads.

(6) Then turn left onto the pretty marked path that crosses the Torrent du Buzon and joins the hamlet of Pauchon.

(7) Continue along the path, veering slightly to the right, to go around Pauchon from below and join a small road that leads to the Canal du Drac.

(8) Follow the canal to the right. Cross the small road called Les Furons, then cross the Torrent du Buzon again. Continue to the next crossroads.

(9) At the crossroads, continue along the canal towards the RN85 until you reach the Réserve des Manes.

(10) After the crossroads (a few metres above the reserve), take the path on the right which climbs northwards towards Les Rostands.

(11) Continue straight ahead on the path, heading north, to join the golf course fitness trail (Bayard plateau).

(12) At the crossroads, take the fitness trail on the left, heading north-west.

(13) Continue along the track on the right, still heading north, until you reach the crossroads of the fitness trail.

(1) Turn left and follow the same route back to the car park (S/E).

Water and food available at the Gap Bayard Oxygenation Centre.

Follow the signs carefully, or bring a map or GPS, as this route is not fully marked.

Do not leave the trail, as the Bayard plateau is also a golf course.

Shorter alternatives:
- At point (4), continue along the track on the right heading west. It continues as a path (still heading west) until you rejoin the fitness trail between point (12) and point (13) (total time: 1 hour 45 minutes - 50 m elevation gain).
- At point (6), continue along the fitness trail on the right until you reach point (12) (total time: 2 hours - 70 m elevation gain).
- At point (9), leave the canal and turn right (backwards) onto the path heading due north. Walk through the forest to rejoin the fitness trail, which you take on the left, heading north-west. Continue straight ahead to point (12) (total time: 3 hours 30 minutes - 190 m elevation gain).