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(S) Car park in Malbrans, Chemin du Plain, after the high-voltage power line, in the old quarry on the right. No markings.
Set off for a good kilometre, leaving the village behind you. Beautiful view of the hills of the Loue valley, Mont Poupet and the Hautepierre rock.
(1) Immediately after passing under the power line, turn right into the field, passing in front of the hedge (not behind it) to quickly find a dirt track. Soon, at the entrance to the woods, at a crossroads, continue straight ahead, staying on the same path. At another crossroads with ONF signs No. 19 and 20, continue straight ahead, staying on this well-marked path. Ignore the perpendicular crossings.
(2) At the crossroads of paths, at the ONF signs 26 and 28, continue straight ahead towards the first unsecured viewpoint (caution) over Ornans. Return to the signs (marker VI) and turn left onto this path which will lead you to the second unsecured viewpoint over the Loue valley, Castel Saint-Denis.
(3) Turn your back on the viewpoint and set off along a small path that runs parallel to the edge of the cliffs for about 30 metres. Continue for about 300 metres and, at forest signpost No. 14, look for a small passage between the rocks on the left. There is no real path, but the wood is sparse. Descend the hillside, leaving the fault behind you and choosing the most open areas. The descent can be a little slippery. If you have followed the trail correctly, you should pass between ONF signs 13 and 14.
(4) Guided by the murmur of a stream, you will soon come to a path that you will follow downhill on your left. It will lead you to a gate, which you should close behind you. Cross the pasture along the left-hand edge. Look up to see the silhouette of Castel Saint-Denis against the sky.
(5) To the right of the house, you will see a small metal ladder next to a second gate. Continue along the gravel road, then turn right onto the D101 towards Maisières-Notre-Dame.
(6) Almost at the edge of the village, turn right onto Rue de Gerdy, following an old mossy wall to its end. Then turn right. At the last houses, the path becomes stony, then turns into a forest track, climbing up to the plateau along the foot of the cliffs. When you reach the plateau, not far from the edge of the woods, the path forks. Continue on the right-hand path along the ledges. At the edge of the woods, there is another fork. Continue straight ahead across the meadow along the stony path, which will take you back to the car park.
The route includes cliff paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and walking sticks are recommended.
Visorando member
Moderate 
