The Glacière de Monlési and the Corridor aux Loups in the Val de Travers

Park at a place called Le Haut-de-la-Cheneau Grands Prés. There are several options: either near the restaurant, opposite the large farm, or in a grassy car park, which is the route’s recommended choice.

(S/E) Take the road leading uphill towards Les Bans; ignore the^{first path}on the left and continue until you reach a T-junction.

(1) Take the path on the left, still heading towards Les Bans. You’ll reach the riding centre; continue left to reach the crossroads at a place called Petite-Charbonnière.

(2) Turn right, still heading towards Les Bans, and join a tarmac road.

(3) Walk along it on the right-hand side, taking care to keep to the right, until you reach a four-way junction.

(4) Turn slightly to the right to reach the Glacière de Monlési.

(5) Return to the previous crossroads.

(4) Take the road on the right, then cross it quickly and carefully, and turn left onto the path leading uphill towards the houses at Vers-chez-Maublanc. Enjoy the lovely view here. Walk across a meadow, then along a road to reach a crossroads at a hairpin bend.

(6) Take this descending road to the right, negotiating a hairpin bend further on. You’ll reach the hamlet of La Roche.

(7) Take the path on the left and continue along a lovely track to cross the Bas des Roches. You’ll come to some steps and follow the stream known as Le Sucre and its small waterfalls before reaching the road. Cross the small bridge on the right to reach the junction with the Corridor aux Loups.

(8) Here, turn right to begin crossing this magnificent ledge with its four sets of steps before reaching the rock ledge. Continue, crouching low, beneath the ledge until you reach a pleasant path. You’ll come to a road at the entrance to the village of Couvet.

(9) Cross it with great care, as the bend is dangerous. Cross the road again immediately to take the path leading uphill; this is the old Plancemont path. Follow a lovely climb, ignoring all other paths to the right or left, until you reach the hamlet of Plancemont. Walk through it and, at the far end, you’ll come to a crossroads.

(10) Turn right onto this path and continue uphill to the Champs aux Lièvres chalet and its viewpoint.

(11) Enter the woods and continue the climb along a magnificent path running parallel to the road. Join the road, cross it carefully and continue to the left until you reach a triangular junction.

(12) Turn right onto the path to the left of the road heading towards La Roche. Stay parallel to the road until you reach a crossroads of paths at the edge of the woods.

(13) Turn left towards Monlési. You’ll reach the Vers-chez-Bordon farm.

(14) Carry on in the same direction. Note: when I was there, there were no dogs. Look out for the marker on a tree, go straight on and continue along this lovely path until you reach the Black Cross on the left.

(15) Turn right onto the path leading uphill, towards Les Citadelles. Walk round several farms, following the very well-marked path, and arrive at a place called La Citadelle.

(16) Head downhill to return to the junction you passed on the way there.

(1) Follow the route you took on the way there in the opposite direction to return to the grassy car park (S/E).

Between (8) and (9): an ideal spot for a meal beneath the ledge of the Corridor aux Loups.
(11) The hut at Champs des Lièvres is available to walkers after Plancemont.
Hike completed in 4 hours 45 minutes.

(5) Monlési ice cave: you can descend to the bottom of the ice cave; take care as the path is very slippery; there is a cable to help you, followed by a ladder.
Between (8) and (9) La Vire: the perfect spot for a coffee break.