The Blaches de Thiéry ridge

Park at the Auberge de Thiéry car park.

(S/E) Head towards the nearby Saint-Roch Chapel at the far end of the car park and take the road on the right towards the Madone de Thiéry for about 200 metres.

(1) Leave the tarmac road at the start of the crash barrier and keep to the right of it. The path follows the road for a while before beginning a gentle descent. When you reach a tarmac road, cross it and continue straight on along the path which passes close to marker no. 86. Continue past a kennel and an old village water pipe

(2) At this junction, marked by signpost no. 95, turn right, pass under the water pipe, then continue along the steeply ascending path which starts on the left. Halfway up the slope, there is a junction. Stay on the left-hand path until you reach the track suitable for vehicles.

(3) Cross the track, continue along the path which soon curves sharply to the left, and you’ll immediately reach another path junction. Carry on straight ahead (north-east). The path passes a spring where the ground is very damp, then turns into a magnificent path through the woodland. The path disappears at a meadow: head straight on towards the copse of fir trees opposite. From here, you can see, below, the hamlet of La Madone, your next destination. Pass to the right of the chapel and head for the nearby Col de la Madone.

(4) Cross the road, follow the field to the right – look out for marker no. 81 – and continue along the path, heading due north, towards Villa Souberre

(5) At the crossroads of paths marked by a cairn, turn left and follow the path through the woodland. The path disappears into the meadows, but carry on due west until you reach the track known as the Piste de la Villa Souberre. Once on the track, turn right.
At the cairn, turn left onto a stony, ascending track, which bends to the left at the two enormous piles of stones. Just past the ruins of the house, turn right. Once behind the house, cross the meadow towards the woodland, heading north-west.

(6) At the entrance to the wooded area with a cairn, follow a long, uphill woodland path which then descends back towards the village, leading to the water tower. Continue straight on to return to the car park at the Auberge de Thiéry (S/E).

A few minor technical challenges. You’ll need to use a compass on three occasions, and the app will be a useful aid.
No water along the route.
Make sure you’re wearing suitable footwear, but walking poles aren’t essential.

Visit the village of Thiéry.