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Start from the Paysage car park on the outskirts of Scey-en-Varais, heading towards Ornans, Chemin des Îles.
Most of the route is unmarked; the rest follows an old hiking trail with markings that have almost faded away.
(S/E) Head back towards the village along the pavement. 50 metres to the left, a small viewpoint overlooking the Miroir de Scey, where the old mill and the ruins of Castel Saint-Denis are reflected, immortalised by Gustave Courbet in one of his paintings. After the Miroir, head straight towards the village centre.
(1) At the town hall, turn right up Rue de la Fontaine. At no. 7, there is a medieval lintel. At the junction with Rue des Vergers, continue straight on. At the nearby fork (by the wayside shrine hidden in the foliage), turn right. Then immediately left at the next fork (by the water tower), onto Chemin du Croc. The path becomes stony, then turns into a grassy track running alongside a pasture and entering the woods. Beautiful views of Scey, dominated by Castel Saint-Denis.
Continue climbing. At the top, with the Croc clearing in view, at the fork in the paths, carry on straight ahead, following an old dry-stone wall, passing in front of the chapel which is in danger of falling into ruin. Descend to the front of the picturesque isolated farmhouse with its slate roof.
(2) Cross the gravel road (signpost) and head straight along the path opposite (towards Rocher de Colonne). You will soon reach a superb, unsecured viewpoint overlooking Scey-en-Varais, Castel Saint-Denis and the entrance to the Gorges de la Loue. Continue on until you reach a green sign saying ‘Zone naturelle protégée’ and follow the path , climbing carefully up the track on the left towards a second unsecured viewpoint, with views of Cléron and the Loue valley.
(3) Return to the foot of the sign and go straight on. After a short descent, at the fork, turn left. You’ll join another path at a right angle; continue the descent to the left. At the bottom, at the foot of a rock, there are a few very steep metres to reach a stony path. Take care, in both summer and winter, as you can easily end up on your backside. Stick to the left-hand side of the path for better grip. Then turn left to reach the D-road .
(4) Head down to the left with Castel Saint-Denis in your sights, then left again onto the D101. Six hundred metres of tarmac, but these country roads are fairly quiet and offer lovely views of the valley framed by its cliffs. Turn left onto the stony track which takes you back to Scey-en-Varais.
(1) At the town hall, head down to the right and, at the Fontaine au Merle, turn right again down the dead-end lane to visit the church and its beautiful polychrome statues. Walk down to the river, crossing the footbridge for a lovely view of the Loue, dominated by the Rocher de Colonne. Cross to the other bank, veering slightly left for a glimpse of the rear of the fortified house.
(5) Head back towards the village, skirting the church via the stepped alleyway. Then turn right, walking alongside the walls of the beautiful castle, of which you will unfortunately only see the roofs. Head back down towards the Loue on the right via Rue Chaillet. Picnic area by the river. Head back up Rue des Forges to the oratory and its ancient wooden statues. Turn right to join the main road and return to the car park on the right (S/E).
The route includes ledge paths and unsecured viewpoints. The paths are rocky and slippery in places. Sturdy footwear is essential and the use of walking poles is recommended.
Visorando Member
Moderate 
