Tour around Bouvante-le-Haut

Date of your route : May 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A really lovely walk, though there were a few minor discrepancies with the route after the Auberge du Grand Échaillon on the first day, just before the start of the long descent, at one point during the descent, and by the little wooden bridge at the end – but nothing serious; it’s easy to get back on track using GPS.

Apart from that, lovely scenery, a welcome break and hot meal at the Auberge du Grand Échaillon, and friendly encounters at the Ferme d’Ambel. The final descent is indeed tough – if you have sensitive knees, be careful!

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Thanks Charlie07 for this brilliant guide – we had a great time!
A lovely walk, mostly in the shade. The climb and especially the descent are quite steep, but otherwise it’s mostly a pleasant, flat route from one plateau to the next. We took a little detour between the Tubanet chalet and the (haunted) forest of (the witch) Malatra to have a look at the beautiful Pas de la Ferrière (then you just need to head into the forest along the fence to find the forest track again).
The descent via the Col de Rioupeysson is steep but not unpleasant; it’s worth having a walking stick to take the strain off your knees.
There’s plenty of water on the first day; water at the Malatra spring isn’t guaranteed for the second day—it depends on whether or not you’ve offended the witch who guards the spring.
Oh yes, it’s important to note that camping isn’t allowed on the Ambel plateau (though it’s tolerated next to the chalet) and that dogs aren’t permitted from 1 June to 30 October.
In short, many thanks and enjoy your walk!

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Date of your route : Jul 20, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A lovely hike, not too difficult apart from the descent on the second day, which is quite steep.
Beautiful scenery in the Vercors, especially at the Col de la Bataille, and a lovely spot for camping at the Ferme d’Ambel.
Please note that on the date we went hiking (21 July), the Malatra spring was dry, so make sure you take enough water for the whole day.

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Date of your route : Aug 06, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average

The route from the start up to the Grand Echaillon climbs gently through the forest. It’s cool, but there are no views.
Then, at the Col de la Bataille, the view is exceptional!!
The route doesn’t mention the loop around the Ambel plateau, which I think is a shame as it’s magnificent.
The final stretch follows a pleasant forest path.
The very end takes you back down to Bouvante. The descent is very steep, the path is treacherous and of no interest whatsoever.

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Date of your route : Jun 06, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A good climb to start the hike; beautiful countryside in the heart of the Vercors. After the dam, keep an eye out for the markings – it’s a tough climb. I’d highly recommend this hike.

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