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This hike starts at the car park near the campsite in Miribel-les-Échelles. Follow the purple markings.
(S/E) Head south-west along the Chemin de la Forêt.
(1) Continue along the track.
(2) At the yellow sign ‘Source de l’Écuelle alt. 740’, take the path on the left, still heading towards the national forest. Then take a short detour to the right to discover the Source de l’Écuelle, shaped by the charcoal burners who worked in the surrounding area. Along the way, look out for standing dead trees with holes in them, the work of woodpeckers, or the many rocky outcrops.
(3) Turn back and rejoin the route to the right. Continue the descent through this woodland setting, as the path narrows. Keep to the right at the fork: the IGN route is incorrect at this point.
(4) At the junction, take the path leading off to the right, then immediately left. A steep climb leads to the forest track known as the ‘Chemin du Pourcy’. Once at the turning area, follow the path to the right. After a steep climb through the woods, a wide track opens up. Turn left and reach a junction with a marker numbered 12.
(5) Continue straight on to the Brosses viewpoint.
(6) Enjoy the view of the Grande Sure (1,920 m) and the Vercors massif. Turn back to the marker post junction.
(5) Take the path leading down to the right. This lovely descent is dotted with limestone rocks: take care in wet or damp weather, as the rock can be very slippery. On the way, take a look at the Fontaine du Pourcy, a natural spring.
(7) After this steep descent, leave the main path and take a small track that climbs up to the left. In this rocky setting, you’ll notice the effect of water on the limestone, creating unusual shapes and holes, followed by the Grotte des Réfractaires, a cool little spot with a historical past. You’ll come to a wide track. Follow it to the right towards the Tourniquet de Pierre Chave to admire this structure.
(9) Turn back.
Continue straight on through the hamlet of Saint-Roch: be careful, this section is on the road. You’ll reach the Chapelle Saint-Roch and continue left for a good hundred metres.
(10) Take the path leading left into the forest: the markings here are green instead of purple. After a short climb and a short descent, at the junction by the pond, take the path on the left. Continue to the road (Chemin de la Forêt) you took at the start.
(1) Turn right to return to the car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
