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On the D941, at the Vulcania roundabout, take the road to Chanat-la-Mouteyre (D559) and, after about 200 metres, park in the car park on the left-hand side of the road.
(S/E) Set off westwards parallel to the D559, following a small blue PR® sign, as well as the red and white markings forthe GR®®4/441. Follow these markings until otherwise indicated. The wide path, made difficult by ruts, reaches a junction. Leave the GR® markings and continue to the right, following the blue markings.
(1) At a junction with a wide track to the left, look out for a small yellow sign on the right pointing to the Fontaine des Pères. Climb over the fence via the designated gap (not very practical) and follow the narrow track which passes in front of an old shepherd’s caravan (a) and climbs to the left to reach an impressive row of small drinking troughs (b). Return to the track via the same path and the same gap over the fence.
(1) Pick up the path to the right and ignore a few offshoots to the left until you reach a Fork in the road and come across a GR®® signpost. Leave the blue markings behind and follow the GR®4 straight on.
(2) About a hundred metres further on, head right, leaving the GR® markings behind. Further on, pass two yellow markers marked 955m in quick succession, continuing straight on each time towards Le Bouchet. You’ll reach a four-way junction at the marker marked 946m and the “CHUT!” sculpture (c).
(3) Turn right and carry on straight ahead along this path. Pass the “Forêt de Beauregard” sign and continue through a mix of fir and beech woodland. At a Fork in the road, keep right (yellow markings).
(4) At the next fork in the road, ignore the yellow-markedPR®® path on the left and keep right, following the direction of the “Puys de Jumes et de la Coquille” route (yellow sign). Further on, ignore a path on the right at a sign prohibiting mountain bikes.
(5) At the next junction, rejoin theGR®®441and follow it to the right, also following the yellow markings and the sign for Puy de Jumes (yellow sign). The path climbs steeply and reaches the edge of the crater. Continue to the left to go round the crater, through a wood of hornbeams.
(6) Pass a small yellow sign indicating an altitude of 1,161 metres at the summit of the Puy de Jumes (d) and continue along the path, which features numerous steps. Further on, to the south of the crater, take a short round trip along a path branching off to the right to reach an open clearing offering a fine view, then rejoin the signposted path. This descends and then climbs again to reach the sign indicating an altitude of 1,152 metres at the Puy de la Coquille (d).
(7) Continue along the path, which heads south. A little further on, take another short round trip along a path on the right leading to a promontory offering a fine view. Then rejoin the path, which descends steeply.
(8) At the first junction, turn left (GR®®); then, at the junction a few metres further on, at the signpost marked 1022m, turn left again towards “Bois de Clermont”. At the next junction, ignore the path straight ahead and follow the bend to the right. The path then bends to the left to go round the Puy de Clermont. You’ll reach the “Bois de Clermont” signpost. Continue to the left towards Puy Chopine. About fifty metres further on, ignore a path on the left and you’ll reach a junction opposite the “Forêt de Fontêtes” sign.
(9) Follow the GR® signposting by continuing to the right along the path. At the next junction, at the “Puy Chopine” signpost, join the GR®4 and head up to the left towards the Puy des Gouttes, also following the blue signposting. Walk through a beech forest, then follow the path – which has been modified to limit erosion – and climb a flight of steps. Further up, you’ll reach the edge of the Puy des Gouttes crater (e).
(10) Walk round the crater on the path, which offers sweeping views, then continue along the path which descends very steeply through a beautiful beech forest. The blue markings become less prominent; instead, follow theGR®® markings. At the bottom, veer left then cross a flight of steps at the marker marked 969m.
(11) On the other side, continue to the right towards the Puy de Chaumont. At a Fork in the road, by the “Puy de Chaumont” signpost, turn right towards the Fontaine des Pères. Continue straight on to return to the car park (S/E).
, when all I had to do was retrace my steps and get back on the main road!
but apart from that, it's quite doable with the kids!
Visorando Member
Easy 
