The Crampoulotte, the Old Females and the Ladders of Death

Parking at the Refuge de Vaudey on the D292, 3.6 km from Combe Saint-Pierre. Yellow-blue markings

(S/E) Continue climbing this quiet little country road towards the nearby Crampoulotte viewpoint. About a hundred metres after entering the woods, turn right towards the secure viewpoint, which offers a superb panorama of the wild Doubs valley and the Swiss mountains. Set off again along the path on the left, which joins the road a little further on.
Continue right on the road to the modern Boulois farm.

(1) Turn right down the stony path towards the Piolotte mountain pastures. At this large clearing, with a lovely view of the Swiss mountains, follow the meadow path that turns left, passing at the foot of a signpost and between two buildings, then going around a small hill on the left. Follow the edge of the woods for about 50 metres until you come to a metal gate and a path on the right.

(2) Enter the woods on the right and walk for about 100 metres, quickly reaching a stony path which you take to the right for about 50 steps.
On your right, you will see the start of two descending paths and a signpost. Take the second, narrower, picturesque path winding its way through large rocks that have fallen from the cliff, a veritable mossy jumble.
Below the rocks, you will come to a wider forest path which you cross to descend the path opposite. Be careful! It is not very visible.
You will come across another stony path, which you cross again, continuing down the path opposite. You will soon reach a signpost (Sentier des Fougères) and an uphill path.

(3) Continue climbing to the left until you reach a small pasture with a view of the Aiguilles de Somêtre. Follow the edge to the right and, just before the corner of the woods, take the beautiful path on the right that leads you to the Vieilles Femelles viewpoint.

(4) Turn back to the signpost (Sentier des Fougères).

(3) Continue downhill towards the Charbonnière du Haut. Take the time to visit this well-equipped picnic area (with wood available for barbecuing!) and, in a small cupboard, a file on the history of the charcoal burners.

(5) Turn right towards Bord du Doubs via the Sentier du Chevreuil trail. After about 50 steps, opposite the old renovated well, descend the path on the left. You will soon reach a viewpoint overlooking the river, then carefully descend this superb but very steep winding path, because if you are not as agile as the deer in question, you may end up on your backside!
You will arrive at some beautiful rocks and cross a stream via a metal footbridge.

(6) Turn right and walk along the peaceful banks of the river, home to ducks and fishermen, until you reach the Refrain power station. It is recommended that you do not go near the riverbank, as the dam could release water at any time.

(7) Climb up to the Échelles de la Mort (Death Ladders) via the path on the right at the back of the car park. Don't panic, these are just comfortable steps, but they may be a challenge for those who are sensitive to vertigo. You will arrive at a new viewpoint overlooking the upper part of the valley.

(8) Continue climbing towards La Couleuse aux Loups until you reach a fork in the path marked "Chez France". Turn right, passing above a shelter with a tin roof.

Be careful! After about 300 metres, look out for the small path that climbs to the left. Signpost for La Couleuse aux Loups.

(9) Turn left onto this steep little path that winds between the rocks. After passing the rocks, you will come to a path marked by a large cairn. Continue climbing to the left.
You will arrive at an area that has been badly damaged by logging. Look for the marker on a split fir tree on the right. You will soon come to an old wooden hut with a red roof. Turn right and go around it. You will come to a logging track. Continue along the path opposite.
A marker post indicates a new logging track, which you climb up on the left. Enter a pasture via a small wooden ladder. Follow the path across the meadow, which veers to the left, then turns right to reach the Vaudey refuge (S/E).

The route includes ledges and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear and walking sticks are essential.

(5) and (9) Some paths are very steep and exposed to falling rocks and trees. Do not use them in bad weather or when the ground is wet.

(6) It is recommended not to approach the riverbank. The dam may release water at any time.

(7) The Échelles de la Mort (Ladders of Death) are actually comfortable staircases, but they can be challenging for people who are afraid of heights and impossible for dogs. When going up or down, you must always face the ladder; priority will be given to people going down, and there should never be more than two people on the ladder at a time. Do not run and be extra careful in wet weather.

(7) The Refrain power plant: the Refrain dam, 15.7 m high, enables electricity to be generated by the power station built approximately 3 km downstream. The water is conveyed through a 2.7 km tunnel dug into the rock, then through two 110 m penstocks creating a 65.1 m drop. It has been in operation since 1910.

(8) The Ladders of Death: don't worry, these ladders won't be fatal. Climbing them will be child's play. But in the past, smugglers used to climb ladders made of simple tree trunks with pieces of wood across them to get past the customs officers. Carrying flour, sugar, coffee and tobacco, some of them slipped down these cliffs, giving this place its grim reputation.

(9) La Couleuse aux Loups: nestled between steep walls that seem impassable, the Doubs valley has steep paths called "couleuses". These allowed farmers from the plateaus, smugglers, deserters and poachers to descend into the valley. It was through these smuggling routes that the "bricotte" took place. Scouts warned the smugglers, laden with bales, of the presence of the "gabelous", the customs officers.