The Bougard lock, accessible from both banks of the canal, starting from Blain

Park in the car park at Blain harbour.

(S/E) Take the^GRP® des Trois Rivières trail, marked in red and yellow, to reach the bridge over the canal.

(1) Cross the N171 road and continue along the right bank of the canal (towards Brest). Follow the towpath to the Paudais lock. Enjoy the beautiful flower-filled areas when in season.

(2) Carry on along the canal. After a gentle bend, you’ll find yourself opposite the old hospital, surrounded by a huge park.

(3) Carry on along the towpath until you reach the Bougard lock.

(4) Cross the canal by turning left onto the D81. Keep to the left-hand side and take care, as the verge isn’t suitable for walkers. You’ll reach the crossroads in the hamlet of Eudrais, near a large yellow house.

(5) Turn slightly left and, shortly afterwards, enter the hamlet of La Réauté.

(6) Turn left at the crossroads, then follow the road straight ahead. Pass a cross, then take a 90° right-hand bend with the road. Continue straight on until you reach the D33.

(7) Please note: this road is quite busy. Turn left and follow it on the left-hand side. A fairly wide grassy path allows you to walk safely. You’ll reach the “Pont Piétin” bus stop, situated in front of the entrance to what remains of the old hospital.

(8) Continue along the D33 until you reach the junction with the road leading to La Simnaudais.

(9) Turn left, then left again at the next junction, and then right. You will then enter a woodland; cross through it to emerge on the left bank of the canal.

(10) Turn right and continue along a relatively narrow, winding path that is somewhat bumpy. Further on, take the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Madeleine. Continue along the path until you reach the spillway of the Paudais lock.

(11) Carry on until you reach the first bridge crossing the canal. Cross the bridge, then turn right at the end of the bridge to return to the right bank of the canal and the road bridge.

(1) Follow the same route as on the way there to return to the Blain harbour car park (S/E).

(S/E) Parking available at Blain harbour.
(4) Bougard Lock, with its machinery and spillway. There are a few benches where you can take a break.
(10) Picnic facilities available.
Shortly before (1) on the return journey: the bridge once carried a railway line. A sign provides full details about this railway, and the view over the canal is rather lovely.
You’ll need to cross one or two roads, and part of the walk is on tarmac. Most of the route follows quiet country lanes. Only the road from the crossing point (7) is busy, but it’s flanked by a wide grassy verge. In any case, please take care.

La Groulaie Castle is easily accessible on foot from Blain harbour.