The two canals from Allichamps

Allichamps school car park.

(S/E) Join the D185 and follow it towards Éclaron.

(1) At a cluster of three large walnut trees, take the path on the left which runs alongside the Canal des Fabriques. The path, lined with hazel bushes, joins a gravel farm track. Continue straight ahead along it.

(2) Pass under the Éclaron bypass and continue along the canal.

(3) Just after crossing the canal bridge (take care – there are no guardrails), join Rue de la Gare (D24). Follow it to the left until you reach the centre of the village of Éclaron.

(4) At the end of this street, turn left towards the old mill and cross the River Blaise: note the magnificent stretch of water formed by the leat.

(5) At the next junction, turn right and follow the left bank of the Blaise until you reach the D384a. Follow it to the left for just over 500 m.

(6) Then turn left onto the old Allichamps road, pass under the bypass and, 100 m further on, reach a crossroads.

(7) Turn right onto the track to head back up along the Blaise feed canal and follow it to the left.

(8) Cross the old railway line and continue along the canal until you reach a road junction.

(9) Cross the bridge on the right, then turn left and walk through Allichamps. Join the D185, turn left and return to the school car park (S/E).

Refreshment points in Éclaron: pub, bakery, grocery shop.

Note: this route can be used even during the hunting season.