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To get to the start, in the centre of Usclas-du-Bosc, turn left onto Rue de la Vierge and park at the top, taking care not to block access to the fields.
(S/E) Take the GR®653 (red and white markings) heading north-west, which climbs steadily along the top of the shoulder. At the first fork, follow the path straight ahead and continue straight on the GR®653. The path climbs more steeply, passes through a pine forest and then comes to a fork.
(1) There are two possible routes, but take the track on the right. This follows an old path that leads to the dolmen.
To reach the Dolmen de la Bruyère d'Usclas, look for a small post and take the small path on the right. Then retrace your steps, continue along the path and pass a cistern.
(2) At the junction with the D153, rejoin the GR®653, which starts below the road. The GR® is a small path that winds along the hillside and then climbs slightly before reaching a main path. Turn right, then left at the cross to reach the Priory of Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont.
(3) A visit to this exceptional site is a must: priory, park, dolmen... but if you are short on time, limit yourself to the priory (between 30 minutes and 1 hour more) or plan another visit.
Take theGR®653 trailagain, which heads north-east from the bottom of the field below. Leave the track at the hairpin bend and follow the path that branches off to the right. This path generally follows the contour line and leads to thethird valley.
(4) The view opens up to the south over the valley and you find yourself at the edge of the cliffs. There is a climbing site (bouldering) with access and parking on the right. Continue along the path, which is marked in places by ruts, ancient wheel tracks (or "arroudals").
After crossing the stream, notice the landscape shaped by livestock farming and crops, then the farm on the right.
(5) At the junction of the D153 and theGR®7-71(Chemin-de-Compostelle), continue straight on southwards to a very open area with a small lake and meadows.
At the cross (sculptures and inscriptions damaged by time), take the path that climbs to the right towards the water tower and join the orientation table.
(6) Continue to Soumont, turn left onto Rue de la Liberté (commemorative tree planted above, further on) and go to the square with a beautiful chestnut tree.
(7) Take the street on the left and continue straight ahead. Leave the village and reach aPR® trail, marked in yellow.
(8) Follow this path downhill to the right, along the side of the valley. Follow thePR® markings. At the track, turn left then quickly right and continue downhill. Go through two hairpin bends and continue to the ford of a stream.
(9) Climb up the path opposite until you see a field on the left at Coste Soulane.
(10) The path shown on the map on the right is no longer visible and appears to be overgrown or even closed. Continue until the path turns north.
(11) Then turn right off the path across the fallow field and head south-east downhill towards the path below, making your own way. Follow it up to a track.
(12) Turn left until you reach the junction with another track. Then turn right and continue for a few metres.
(13) Turn left onto a grassy path between the orchards that descends east-northeast before the orchard fence. Follow it to the stream, ford it and walk a few metres uphill to a crossroads. Continue right on the path downhill along the stream until you find a path on the left.
(14) To return to Usclas-du-Bosc, turn left and climb the winding path. After the bends, on the straight stretch, leave the path that climbs towards "Les Airettes" and continue straight ahead. The descent is sometimes a little steep before the stream. Ignore a path branching off to the right, then the path becomes wider and easier to walk on.
(15) At the crossroads, turn right onto the path that descends and joins another path coming from the right further down. Continue straight ahead, then turn left at the next crossroads. At the D140, continue left and you will find Rue de la Vierge on your left. Follow it and you will find a small bench waiting for you at the top (S/E).
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