The climb to the Croix de Chaumiène

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This very demanding route climbs steeply through the undergrowth on the high plateaus. From up there, the landscape over the Tanargue, directly above Mayres, takes on a whole new dimension. The descent back to the starting point is just as steep.

Details

n°35650
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.52 km
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 4 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 827 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 822 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,344 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 571 m
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Photos

View of Mayres
View of the Tanargue
The Chaumiène cross seen from the old castle
Forest path

Description of the walk

(S/E) From the car park opposite the café-restaurant "La Roche Trouée", cross the Ardèche via the bridge and take the forest path behind the houses above the river.

(1) At Cautet (after the barrier), turn right onto the road and cross a bridge.

(2) Immediately after the campsite entrance, go up to the crossroads and follow the road to the left (towards Aleyrac). After 50 metres, leave this road and follow the path that climbs to the right and joins the N102.

(3) Cross the N102 with caution and follow the street opposite between two houses. The path climbs steeply into the forest to reach the Croix de Chaumiène.

(4) From there, take the track on the right and leave it immediately after the post 10 metres further on, taking a path on the right. It follows the edge of the plateau. You will come out onto a track; follow it to the right until you reach the foot of the antenna.

(5) At the foot of the antenna, take a path on the right that descends to a cross.

(6) Begin the steep descent, following the red arrows marked on the rocks. Continue to a rocky outcrop.

(7) At the signs, turn right towards Mayres and follow a path that takes you back to the village (do not follow the path to the left towards Mayres via Le Buisson as it is not maintained). Once you reach the N102, turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 575 m - Car park opposite the café-restaurant "La Roche". - Ardèche
  2. 1 : km 1.81 - alt. 673 m - Cautet
  3. 2 : km 2.27 - alt. 637 m - Bridge after the entrance to the campsite
  4. 3 : km 3.38 - alt. 728 m - Crossing the N102
  5. 4 : km 6.46 - alt. 1,282 m - Chaumiène Cross
  6. 5 : km 7.74 - alt. 1,339 m - Antenna
  7. 6 : km 7.95 - alt. 1,331 m - Cross
  8. 7 : km 10.37 - alt. 779 m - Fork
  9. S/E : km 11.52 - alt. 575 m - Car park opposite the café-restaurant "La Roche Trouée".

Notes

  • Level: a challenging circular reserved for very good walkers given the very steep gradient (1,120 m) both uphill and downhill on a path that is poorly marked in places.
  • Very long, particularly steep climb on a forest trail that can be wet, making shoes slippery on the rocks if you are not careful.
  • Very steep descent on a path that is overgrown with tall grass in places, hiding stones, which means you need to be careful and descend cautiously. Red arrows marked at regular intervals on the rocks help you stay on the path.
  • Reliability of the route on the map: the route shown is the track recorded by my GPS.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
BRUNFRA
BRUNFRA

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I think this suggested hike is the opposite of what it should be.
To go there regularly and meet lots of hikers, or even trail runners, since it's a well-known trail running route, the best way to approach this hike is to go up the side suggested here for the descent and go down the side suggested for the ascent.
It's a bit challenging going up, but less dangerous than doing it downhill.
Definitely worth revisiting!

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Carocks07
Carocks07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An interesting route with a wide variety of landscapes, we discovered the Mayres mines and enjoyed pleasant views of Montlaur Castle. This hike offers breathtaking views of the Mayres valley all the way down. A challenging route with beautiful panoramic views of the plateau.

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picotel
picotel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2020
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route similar to the one I had planned using the IGN map, returning via the castle rather than Mayres: A superb hike in drizzly, windy weather, with a few slippery rocks, but nothing insurmountable.
We got our trousers wet, the grass has benefited from lockdown! and the locals have neglected maintenance a little, but well done to our ancestors who magnificently "paved" the climb through the woods!

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labeaume07120
labeaume07120

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I chose to do this hike in the opposite direction to the description. The climb is steep, which I like, so the descent is longer but less steep.
A very beautiful hike.

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Sylfrala
Sylfrala

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 07, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

However, I am no longer able to print the map and description of the hike as I was able to do before.

François

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ardo
ardo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I did this route in the opposite direction, without a map, following the markings in place. I often pass by on the main road, and I promised myself I would climb to the top. Personally, I prefer the direction I took, which is the opposite of the description here, because I prefer steep climbs to steep descents; it's much less painful on the legs! And it's often easier to climb than to descend. It takes a good three hours to climb up, but the descent is very quick. When you reach the hamlet of Vieux Mayres, take the opportunity to climb up to the chapel and the castle ruins (take the path to the left of the last house on the descent from the main road towards Mayres).
In any case, it's a magnificent hike. From the abandoned village of Chaumienne, you can head east and follow the small ridge trail, then descend to Thueyts (about 3 hours). But of course, someone will need to come and pick you up.

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Gakoway
Gakoway

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Magnificent hike. A little appetiser and a steep but shaded climb. A spectacular view at the top. A superb descent, but steep in places. Not to be attempted in the rain, otherwise pure bliss.

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pathibulaire
pathibulaire

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful hike. A few kilometres to warm up, then a good climb and a magnificent steep descent.

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patcoise
patcoise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 22, 2015
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful hike.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.