The Loc'h ponds

Start from the car park at Loc’h beach, on the edge of the coastal road linking Larmor-Plage to Guidel.

(S/E) From the western end of the car park, cross the coastal road to reach Loc’h beach. Walk along the beach to the left for about 400 m. Leave the beach at Petit Loc’h and cross the road, then head down the dune to reach the outlet of the ponds. This is situated at the foot of the hill where Fort du Loc’h stands.

(1) Leave the road and follow the path that runs alongside the pond, skirting it entirely to the right until you come to a small road.

(2) Cross the road and follow the path that runs above the farm buildings. Then head towards the edge of the Grand Loc’h basin and, after crossing a ditch, continue across a meadow.

(3) At this fork leading to the observatories, which can be seen near the pond, turn right to follow the path climbing up the hill. You will reach the first orchards.

(4) Turn left, then follow the path that winds its way through the apple orchards. When you reach the foot of the hill, turn right, then walk alongside the wetland to the crossroads.

(5) Turn left to go round the willow grove and cross a stream. The path then climbs up the opposite slope. Turn left at the path you come to. At the road, continue to the right and then, again, to the left, about fifty metres further on. Follow a path that runs alongside farmland and one of the branches of the wetland. Carry on to the observatory.

(6) Retrace your steps to the signposted path to head back up towards the car park serving the observatory. Cross the car park to reach the access road, then turn left at the first path. Head down towards the bed of the Ruisseau de la Saudraie, which feeds the ponds.

(7) Cross the stream via the footbridge spanning the watercourse. Walk alongside a new orchard, then turn left after the car park. The path continues along the edge of the marsh, later skirting another indentation.

(8) At the end of this, turn right to climb up to the orientation table, which allows you to orientate yourself within the panorama offered by this vantage point. Return to the path, then continue rounding the hillock to the left. Reach another branch of the marsh and follow it until you can cross to the other bank. Come to the crossroads below the road.

(9) Turn left, towards the hamlet of Triec. At the houses, turn right and follow the road up to the first crossroads. Continue straight on, towards the blockhouses.

(10) Pass under the bunkers and continue due south towards the sea. The car park where you started is almost in sight. Make your way back to it by following the paths through the moorland (S/E).

Due to the proximity of the pond, some sections can be quite wet in winter.

The route can be extended, starting from the point (7), to follow the river upstream to the Orvoën mill and return via the opposite bank. This adds 2 km to the route and approximately 40 minutes to the route described above.

These ponds provide a haven for many species of birds throughout the year. Don’t set off without your binoculars; they’ll come in handy at many points along the route, particularly at the observation points dotted along the path.

The proximity of the Lann Bihoué airbase may make the walk less pleasant when aerial exercises are scheduled there. These are usually announced in the press in advance. It’s worth knowing this before setting off on this walk!

Loc'h beach is very attractive, particularly for surfers. Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, the spectacle can be quite fascinating.