From the heights of Bonnan to the village of Roussayrolles

This is a little-used route, reserved for lovers of unspoilt nature. They will walk only on footpaths, through varied landscapes.
There are many different viewpoints to discover, including the Bonnan Valley, the Lexos rock, the petrified waterfall and the tumulus-dolmen. Climbs and descents along the cliff edge or through the undergrowth, and scrambling up the Bonnan Stream, will delight the more adventurous.

Details

1684510
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.83 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,657 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,663 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,394 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 440 ft

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at Montrosier Town Hall.

This route is virtually unmarked. The few yellow markings encountered belong to the Vallée de Bonnan route or to a route unknown to the author.
Very short section on theGRP®® Cordes-Penne-Coustous, red-yellow markings.

(S/E) With your back to the town hall and the wrought-iron wayside cross on your left, head towards the eastern corner of the square and turn into the cul-de-sac on the right.

After 50m, take the path on the left, between two houses. Walk along the gently sloping path through woods and hedgerows until you reach a track suitable for vehicles. This is the cul-de-sac, which you left shortly after starting the route, and which you have now reached again at this junction.

(1) Follow the track to the left, which changes from tarmac to gravel. Continue climbing until you reach a Fork in the road. Take the right-hand branch, a dirt track, to enter the forest. Continue climbing until you reach the T-junction at elevation 317, ignoring a path coming from the left.

(2) Turn right onto the local path. Climb up to La Peyrière, at an elevation of 347 metres. Leave the local path and veer left. The exit from the bend to the right marks the end of the climb. A wide clearing opens up with a view of the Rocher de Lexos and the Bonnan valley.

At the fork in the road, head straight on along a narrow path not shown on the IGN map. Take care as it is barely visible. Follow the cliff and, further on, you will come to a left-hand bend at elevation 371. Descend very carefully around the bend to the edge of the Ruisseau de Bonnan. The slope is very steep.

(3) Take a round trip to explore the tufa waterfall. To do this, head left. At the bridge, continue along the wide track opposite. Walk for about a hundred metres to reach the foot of the waterfall.

(4) Petrified waterfall. In summer, the waterfall is dry, but in winter the spring flows abundantly or becomes covered in stalactites if there is a frost. It is possible to walk back up to its source.

After exploring the waterfall, retrace your steps back to the previous point.

(3) Continue straight ahead, following the stream. Walking upstream along the stream is great fun if you stay on the left bank. Numerous fords offer the chance to cross to the right bank and rejoin the widePR®® trail of the Bonnan Valley. Continuing on the left bank involves ascents and descents where you’ll need to use your hands on the rocks.

(5) Ruins of an old chapel. Continue until you reach the Sentier de Bonnan trail.

(6) Cross the eponymous stream one last time. Follow the yellow-marked trail, which winds its way through the woods. Walk alongside a cattle enclosure and then a wooded pasture. You’ll come out onto a wide track suitable for vehicles.

(7) Turn left. Pass a tree that has swallowed up a small signpost on your right. You’ll arrive at the entrance to a meadow with a large shed. Carry on to a crossroads, at an elevation of 378 metres.

(8) The path runs alongside the Touron farm, where cows graze freely. Do not forget to close the pasture gates behind you. At the T-junction, turn right. At the road, continue right to enter Roussayrolles. A visit to the church is a must.

(9) Roussayrolles Church, dating from the 13th century. Continue on and pass by the picnic tables. Walk through the hamlet, heading straight ahead between the houses.
At the three-way junction, follow the wide track ofthe GRP®® Cordes-Penne-Coustous on the right. Ignore the turn-off for Les Clavillières. At the next junction, let theGRP®® head off to the left. Stay on the track and continue until you reach a path marked by a small cairn on the right.

(10) In front of the cairn, turn onto the path.

(11) Discover the tumulus-dolmen. Return to the track via the tracks heading west. Follow it to the right. Reach the Pas de la Clède junction.

(12) Turn onto the track to the right. Keep heading generally north-east. Ignore a path on the right. Keep right at the Fork in the road. Reach the track at the T-junction, elevation 327.

(13) Follow the road to the right; it winds around three bends. After the last bend, find a dirt track branching off to the left. Head diagonally along the track. Continue to the X-junction.

(14) Stay on the wide track. Continue along the left-hand branch of the X, heading north. Cut across the bend to the right at the fork in the road. Reach a T-junction.

(15) Turn sharply left. After 50m, there is a long descent. Head straight north to the bottom of the valley, in front of Bordés. Go round the building to reach the D34. Head right. Note the charming little Church of the Nativity of Our Lady as you pass. Continue straight along the road to reach the village and its town hall (A/D).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 482 ft - Montrosier Town Hall car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.45 - alt. 699 ft - Junction with a wide track suitable for vehicles
  3. 2 : mi 1.27 - alt. 1,040 ft - T-junction
  4. 3 : mi 2.18 - alt. 669 ft - Bonnan Stream
  5. 4 : mi 2.26 - alt. 643 ft - Petrified waterfall - Cascade de Bonnan
  6. 5 : mi 2.58 - alt. 787 ft - Junction with the PR Vallée de Bonnan
  7. 6 : mi 2.75 - alt. 837 ft - Bonnan Stream, last ford
  8. 7 : mi 3.7 - alt. 1,204 ft - Turn left
  9. 8 : mi 3.95 - alt. 1,237 ft - Crossroads above Le Touron
  10. 9 : mi 4.36 - alt. 1,355 ft - Church of Roussayrolles
  11. 10 : mi 5.32 - alt. 1,355 ft - Cairn and trailhead
  12. 11 : mi 5.4 - alt. 1,375 ft - Tumulus - dolmen
  13. 12 : mi 5.99 - alt. 1,119 ft - Pas de la Clède
  14. 13 : mi 6.34 - alt. 1,066 ft - T-junction
  15. 14 : mi 6.85 - alt. 1,224 ft - Crossroads
  16. 15 : mi 7.26 - alt. 1,198 ft - Turn left
  17. S/E : mi 8.83 - alt. 482 ft - Montrosier Town Hall car park

Notes

Water point at the cemetery, available in summer only.
Water point, toilets and picnic tables in Roussayrolles.

Route completed by the author on 26 December 2018 and rechecked on 17 February 2019.

Worth a visit

Dolmen at d'Orsayrolles (former name of Roussayrolles).
Tuff waterfall.
Roussayrolles Church, decorated by Nicolaï Greschny.
Ask for the key and a guided tour (free of charge) at the town hall.
All the ceramic plaques in the village (street names, information boards, etc.) were created by Marie Costes.

A little background on the two frescoes in this church, painted in 1950.
N. Greschny’s work had to be done on fresh concrete.
Each of the frescoes was completed, from the first pencil stroke to the final brushstroke, in the space of 15 days.

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady,12th century, is built on a Latin cross plan with a projecting transept.
The south arm of the transept is flanked by a sacristy. The chancel ends in a flat chevet.
Guided tours are offered every year during Heritage Days.

The village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and its famous Sunday market
The banks of the Aveyron, with areas for leisure and picnics.
Numerous canoe and kayak hire companies.
Numerous walking routes starting from the village of Saint-Antonin.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.1 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.1 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
madydou
madydou ★

Thank you for your feedback.
It is clearly stated that this route is not marked as such, and obviously the Visorando app is recommended for following it.
As for the names of the tracks and paths, this does not prevent you from understanding the route.

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pc.montagne
pc.montagne

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Download the GPX track because the explanations are sometimes fanciful: "meadow or cows grazing freely" since 2017, they are no longer there... "tree that has absorbed a small directional sign" too bad you can't see it because it's in the opposite direction of the walk...
Don't confuse the paths or trails with farm tracks. Finally, between 12 and 13 and without GPS: you're bound to get lost!!! You risk ending up in Feneyrols and then on the road along the Aveyron.
But it's still a lovely walk, reserved for those who know how to find their way...

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biscardel
biscardel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This is a superb, challenging route with few signposts, so you need to follow the GPS route carefully. The steep descent is not recommended for those with knee problems. Walking poles are useful. In summer, the route along the Bonnan riverbed is superb. Great photo opportunities! A stop at Roussayrolles is a must. The hamlet is well equipped with tables and benches for around fifteen people. We were lucky enough to find a local guide who showed us around the hamlet's beautiful church.

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Helbenbou
Helbenbou

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pretty circular path, shaded enough to be enjoyed in summer (but still best to set off in the morning!)

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jab31
jab31

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello Mady and everyone else...

A very beautiful hike, a bit wild at times, especially with the spring vegetation!

I agree with previous comments about the route, especially the descent to Bonnan, which is very technical: it's a difficult section!

I extended it to Roussayrolles and beyond (Peyralade) to make it 20 km.

Otherwise, the scenery and nature are magnificent!

I'm going to suggest the longer route for experienced walkers!

Thank you!

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maxlamb
maxlamb

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A very beautiful hike! Especially the first part, up to Roussayrolles! A walk worth taking.

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madydou
madydou ★

Thank you, Yvon.
Happy hiking!

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yvon81
yvon81

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike, which can be extended for those who want a full day out.
As with any good hike, please remain mindful of the terrain.
Well done, Mady!

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plombinA
plombinA

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 08, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello,
A very beautiful route, but be careful on the descent to the stream in wet weather. The trailhead, at elevation 371, is not easy to find with the map.
Thank you.

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madydou
madydou ★
• Edited:

Indeed, mea culpa.
GRP = Red Yellow
I will keep my eyes peeled.
I will correct this after my next visit to the area, which is planned for next Sunday, if it doesn't rain...

Best regards.

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CLEMAURIN
CLEMAURIN

Hello
Thank you for your reply. The GRP signage, which is not white and red but yellow and red, no longer exists after the fork I mentioned. It is important to report this change as I believe that the GR signage is used by many walkers for orientation.
CLEMAURIN.

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madydou
madydou ★
• Edited:

Hello,
Thank you for your feedback.
I was in the area yesterday and indeed, at the moment, the paths are muddy.
You were able to admire the waterfall – videos taken along the way.
I'll make a note of your suggestion to take a detour from point 347.

On the other hand, last Sunday I set off from Roussayrolles.
The GRP signage is still there, with red and white markings still visible.
The changes to the Pas de la Clède are not clearly explained, as I passed this crossroads.

The point (13) will be expanded.

Best regards

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CLEMAURIN
CLEMAURIN

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 04, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Excellent hike, more interesting than the route starting from Milhars. Many thanks! A few comments, however. Avoid after heavy rain (especially the descent to the waterfall, other muddy and quite slippery descents) and take care in icy conditions (black ice in northern areas, particularly treacherous at elevation 317). Regarding the route description (bearing in mind that we don't use GPS and don't refer to the description most of the time), I would say that at coast 347 you have to turn sharply to the left (leaving the inter-communal path) and once you reach it, you must not leave the edge of the cliff and abandon the track (4x4) as soon as it moves away from it to take the path that leads down into the valley. Further on, we preferred to go via Roussayrolles, which is worth a detour. We also noticed that the GRP Pennes Cordes no longer passes through Pas de la Clède but branches off between Les Clavilières and point 9 onto an old path, not marked on the maps, leading towards the Laussière valley. According to its managers, the trail was modified about ten years ago, a change that is not reflected on IGN maps. This change is worth noting since there is no longer a GRP between point 9 and point 10. Finally, the explanation at point 13 needs to be clarified because if you go straight ahead, you end up at elevation 394. Finally, as has been noted repeatedly, the numbers on the map obscure it too much.

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