The Spigots circular from La Rivière

From Gap, take the D994 (Veynes road) then the D503 towards the village of Rabou. Shortly before the village of Rabou and just after crossing the Torrent de la Rivière, take a small road on the right towards the hamlet of La Rivière and continue to the end. There are a few parking spaces along the road.

(S/E) Do not cross the stone bridge. From La Rivière, take the path on the left that climbs towards Les Tournillons, heading north, until you reach the next crossroads 50 metres further on.

(1) Continue on the path on the right that runs alongside the stream. Cross the stream for the first time and climb up the other bank.

(2) Continue along the well-marked path on the left, still following the stream bed. The mountainside may have streams running down it during the snowmelt period. Cross the Torrent de la Rivière a second time, then a third time, alternating between open sections and sections under the trees.

(3) Continue along the path opposite, ignoring the one that climbs to the right. Cross the stream one last time to climb up to the hamlet of Les Tournillons just above.

(4) Take a well-deserved break at the ruins. This is the ideal spot for a picnic in the meadow or under the trees. Although the return journey is easier on the left bank, retracing your steps along the same route, this trail continues the circular path on the right bank along a balcony path with a few passages through ravines, one of which is slightly tricky.
To do this, pass by the foot of the ruins and head west into the trees.
Cross a first valley. You will soon reach a passage on the side of the marl, which can be slippery. This is the only real difficulty on the route.
Continue along the hillside on the single path that crosses pastures before becoming more rocky, then rejoins the trail.

(1) Continue straight ahead to quickly return to the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources along the route. There is a fountain in the village of Rabou.

The hamlet of Les Tournillons (4) is the ideal place for a picnic, in its meadow or under its trees.

The outward route crosses the Torrent de La Rivière four times by fording: take care in case of heavy rain.
The return trail on the right bank is less direct and requires a little caution, particularly on the ravine and balcony sections. However, it offers beautiful views of the torrent and the surrounding area.

The ruins of Les Tournillons (4) are old pastoral houses (sheepfolds and seasonal dwellings) that bear witness to the mountain lifestyle and agropastoral activity that once animated this remote valley. Until the mid-20th century, farmers would bring their livestock up to these mountain pastures every summer to take advantage of the high-altitude grazing, before returning down to the valley in the autumn. Despite the arrival of electricity (the poles are still visible), the isolation of the area, the lack of road access and the harsh climate explain why these buildings were gradually abandoned, as were many mountain hamlets.
Located in the Rivière valley, at the foot of the Puy (1,834 m), Melette (2,062 m), Miauzes (1,977 m) and Courmian (1,855 m), Montclair (1,847 m) and Greysinières (1,881 m), its location and winding access path seem to be the origin of its name!

Easier alternative: at the Tournillons ruins, take the same route as on the way there, on the left bank of the torrent.