In the footsteps of the Shelburn Network in Plouha

This short hike follows the coastal path (GR®34) and allows you to discover the incredible story of the Shelburn Network. This organisation, rooted in the Plouhatine community, enabled 144 people to escape to England in 1944. You will follow in the footsteps of the airmen who travelled these paths in the dark nights of the occupation.

Details

29673783
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.00 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 180 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 184 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 89 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 16 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Plouha (22580)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 48.705879° / W 2.923576°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 0814OT, 0815SB, 0916OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the large car park on the cliff facing the open sea (stele). GPS: N 48.705879° / W 2.923576°

(S/E) Turn left onto theGR® 34 trail via the stairs. Reach the car park opposite the small tunnel leading to Bonaparte Beach. Continue along the uphill trail, following theGR® 34 markings.

(1) At the first fork, turn right onto the stony path going uphill. At the end of a short climb, follow the signs for the Shelburn Network on the right, which lead to the spot where fugitives used to reach the beach by climbing down the steep cliff.

(2) Return tothe GR®34and continue along the path on the right. Follow theGR®34, which involves ascents and descents, with a constant view of the open sea. After a somewhat steep climb, you will reach the buildings of an old farmhouse that has been converted into a lodge. Keep to the right and head towards the end of the Pointe de la Tour, which features a series of casemates.

(3) Retrace your steps towards the Ancienne Ferme de la Tour and go around it on the right.

(4) Follow the access road and pass between two pillars. At the first intersection, turn left between two houses onto a farm track which crosses the fields and joins a road leading to the hamlet of Keruzeau.

(5) Cross the village and keep to the right until you reach the road coming from Kerliviou. Turn left, pass in front of the Saint-Samson Chapel and continue to the ruins of the Maison d'Alphonse. Information boards tell the history of this important site in the Shelburn Network.

(6) Immediately turn left onto the grassy path and follow the signposts for the Shelburn Trail.

(7) Before reaching a tarmac road, take the path used by the airmen towards the coast. After passing a small stream, rejoin theGR® 34. Turn right and follow the path you took on the way out to the car park at the top of the cliff (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 64 m - Car park - Stele
  2. 1 : km 0.57 - alt. 69 m - GR34/Shelburn path intersection
  3. 2 : km 0.75 - alt. 56 m - Descent to the beach
  4. 3 : km 2.86 - alt. 16 m - End of Pointe de la Tour
  5. 4 : km 3.67 - alt. 81 m - Route de la Ferme de la Pointe de la Tour
  6. 5 : km 4.94 - alt. 74 m - Keruzeau
  7. 6 : km 5.66 - alt. 82 m - Maison d'Alphonse - Chapelle Saint-Samson (Plouha)
  8. 7 : km 6.16 - alt. 64 m - Path x Trail
  9. S/E : km 7 - alt. 63 m - Car park - Stele

Notes

The path to the tip of Pointe de la Tour (3) requires particular caution and is similar to a ridge path. Take extra care in wet conditions.

Worth a visit

During the Second World War, the Sehlburn network, made up mainly of Plouhatins, enabled 144 people to be smuggled to England in eight operations.
This route will allow you to follow in the footsteps of the fugitives and see the iconic sites of the Shelburn Network: Bonaparte Beach, the path, the German bunkers that guarded the coast, and Maison d'Alphonse (where the aviators gathered before departure).
This section ofthe GR®34trail has a few slopes but offers spectacular views of this part of the Goëlo coast.

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

4.6 / 5
Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Philhame
Philhame

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

If you are interested in history, particularly the Second World War, you will discover a page of Breton resistance history with comprehensive information on panels along the route.

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lbrouen
lbrouen

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

No difficulty, varied landscapes and historically very interesting hike.

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Laurent22
Laurent22

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short, varied and pleasant route that is not difficult.

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Jacobori
Jacobori

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Historical route retracing the heroic activities of the Breton resistance fighters. Not to be missed.

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kerheol
kerheol

Thank you for your feedback.

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jo.lepegoa
jo.lepegoa

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route combining stunning scenery and great historical interest on the Shelburn resistance network.
Worth discovering

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kerheol
kerheol

Thank you

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Philippe 22
Philippe 22

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Varied route, sea and countryside, beautiful sea views from the cliffs. Historical interest.

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kerheol
kerheol

Hello
I agree with your comment about the difficulty.
Having recently redone the route, I realised this and made the necessary corrections to the description.
Thank you for your feedback.

Kerheol

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simelian001
simelian001

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Not so easy, especially on the GR34 section.

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