La Roche Écrite, starting from Grand Îlet in Salazie

Coming from Saint-André, take the D48 towards Salazie, then continue to Grand Îlet via Mare à Vieille Place. At Grand Îlet, after the church, head towards Mare à Martin. Two kilometres further on, on a 15 per cent incline, you’ll find a small car park on your left. The start of the trail is 20 metres below this. A sign marks the start.

(S/E) At the start of the steps, the path is steep and you’ll need to use your hands to help you up. There’s just one ladder, but it’s a good size. Every 100 metres, a sign tells you how far you’ve climbed.

(1) Once on the plateau, head straight ahead through the vegetation. Follow the white markings – or what remains of them. After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach a crossroads.

(2) Turn left and head towards La Roche Écrite. 100 metres from the summit, a handrail will help you on your way.

(3) Follow the same route back to the car park where you started (S/E).

The estimated time given at the start is 3 hours 45 minutes to La Roche Écrite. A good walker can complete the route in well under this time. You won’t save much time on the return journey as the path is very slippery.
Magnificent, lush vegetation.

You can get to the start by bus: first the yellow coach, then the Cirest coach.

If you’ve come by bus and want to avoid the arduous return journey, you can go straight on at the crossroads (2) to reach Brulé de Saint-François and then Saint-Denis.

During the ascent, you’ll have views of Piton d’Anchain, then Mare à Martin and the whole of the Cirque de Salazie. You’ll be constantly in the shadow of Piton des Neiges and its little brother, the Grand Morne.