the Devil’s Channel

de fr

A fairly family-friendly hike. The outward journey is downhill along a bucolic stream, through a lush, almost tropical deciduous forest. The return is more austere, through a mysterious, moss-covered coniferous forest.

Details

n°24379395
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.82 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 246 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 236 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,201 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,946 ft
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Photos

The mossy forest
Le Thaurion
Le Thaurion
In the mossy forest

Description of the walk

“La Rigole du Diable / Tourbière de Mazure” car park. Admire the Rocher du Diable.

Yellow markings

(S/E) Cross the D3 and take the path branching off to the left to follow the river downstream.

(1) The path is generally flat but has a few short steep and slippery sections. Follow the stream, keeping to the left bank at all times. Pass through a beautiful deciduous forest covered in thick moss.

(2) Just past a small weir, the path becomes an uphill track.

(3) At the top of the hill, turn left onto the D7, then right onto a path that runs alongside the D3, moving 150 m away from the starting point.

(4) Cross the D3 and turn sharply left onto a small, open tarmac road that climbs gently. This turns into a track that descends gently through a forest of moss-covered fir trees and leads back to the car park (start/end). A very picturesque spot.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,060 ft - Park. Rigole du Diable/Mazure Bog. Walk along - Rigole du Diable
  2. 1 : mi 0.03 - alt. 2,057 ft - Confluence of the Taurion and - Haute Faye (ruisseau) - Affluent du Taurion
  3. 2 : mi 0.36 - alt. 2,014 ft - Rigole du Diable
  4. 3 : mi 0.67 - alt. 1,955 ft - Dam. Ascent along a track. - Taurion (rivière)
  5. 4 : mi 0.82 - alt. 2,064 ft - D7
  6. 5 : mi 0.87 - alt. 2,093 ft - Join the D3 and turn right onto it.
  7. 6 : mi 1.01 - alt. 2,090 ft - Crossing the D3
  8. 7 : mi 1.28 - alt. 2,198 ft - Asphalted uphill path, then flat dirt track
  9. 8 : mi 1.31 - alt. 2,195 ft - pine woodland desc
  10. S/E : mi 1.82 - alt. 2,064 ft - Rigole du Diable / Tourbière de Mazure car park - Parking du Rocher du Diabl

Notes

(S/E) Car park along the D3, 5 km north of Royère-de-Vassivière, signposted ‘Rigole du Diable / Tourbière de la Mazure’. A place that invites you to relax, with a river, an old mill and the impressive Rocher du Diable.

A route that generally follows the contour lines but includes a few (short) steep and slippery sections. It is suitable for children who can walk unaided and are wearing suitable footwear. Pushchairs cannot be used. Not recommended for people who find walking on slopes difficult.

Worth a visit

Another easy route starting from the same place: Les Tourbières de la Mazure.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
Pruvost Alexandre
Pruvost Alexandre

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Nice, but nothing special.

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ChristianQ
ChristianQ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short, lovely walk where you can enjoy the peace and coolness of the moss-covered pine woods on the way back

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Marleytte
Marleytte

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A quick and pleasant walk. Note that there are a few short, fairly steep sections.
All in all, a lovely walk in the shade, which is much appreciated on these hot summer days.

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bibi1960
bibi1960

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A varied path, often shaded, with a few sections requiring sturdy footwear

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lynx18
lynx18

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

No one out early in the morning on the circular
Hiking poles are useful on the first section along the river
Best to go in the morning, avoiding weekends and school holidays to make the most of the place...

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