Lochnagar Crater from La Boisselle

Departure from Saint-Pierre Church in La Boisselle. A few parking spaces available nearby.

(S/E) Head south-west and follow Rue Georges Cuviller towards the centre of the village. At the triangular crossroads that immediately appears, continue straight ahead and pass in front of the town hall, continuing to the next intersection.

(1) Continue straight ahead for about 200 metres to see the remains of shell holes and mine holes on the left-hand side of a private property.

(2) Retrace your steps to the previous intersection.

(1) Turn right towards the Grande Mine and, at the fork that appears immediately, turn left. Climb gently up to the entrance to Lochnagar Crater (cross).

(3) Walk around the crater using the footbridge provided (note the small plaques bearing the names of soldiers who died here) and take the time to read the information panels located further out. Do not attempt to climb down into the crater (access is prohibited due to the risk of erosion).

(3) After visiting the crater, follow the small road to the left (in the opposite direction to the way you came).

(1) Turn right and continue straight ahead until you reach the church (S/E).

Good trainers are sufficient for this very short hike, which takes place mainly on tarmac.

Although located on private property, Lochnagar Crater is freely accessible. Visitors are required to respect the site and must refrain from climbing down into the crater to limit the risk of erosion.

A detailed map is useful (at least the one accompanying this description).

Hike completed by the author on 29 December 2025.

The impressive Lochnagar Crater is the main destination of this memorial hike.

The Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916. After a week of artillery preparation, mines dug in advance under the German trenches and loaded with explosives were detonated at dawn on 1 July, creating large craters. The Lochnagar Crater is the largest of all and was left untouched after the war. Every 1 July, a ceremony at this site marks the start of the commemorations of the Battle of the Somme.