La Mortice via the Serenne valley

The start is on the D25, which runs from Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye to Maljasset, after the hamlet of Grande Serenne near the lime kiln.

(S/E) The route begins by heading left of the kiln and climbs steeply up through scree.

(1) Continue through the Vallon de Serenne, which climbs gently towards the Col de Serenne at an altitude of 2,674 metres.

(2) At the pass, turn right following the signposted route to Lac des Neuf Couleurs.

(3) Leave this pretty lake on your right and climb the steep path. Follow the cairns closely once the slope levels off, keeping well to the left of the valley as there are crevasses and a chasm on the right

(4). Follow the cairns as they veer off to the right.

(5) Climb gently towards La Mortice at 3,169m. This section was covered in snow in early July, but the snow was hard and posed no difficulties.

(6) From the Mortice, the return journey follows the same route, taking care on the final section, which is very steep with small pebbles that tend to make you slip on the descent. Return to the
car park after the hamlet of Grande Serenne (S/E).

Warm clothing, as for any 3,000-metre peak.
Walking poles.

(3) A very pretty little lake.