Saint-Martin-de-l'Arcon circuit.

Saint-Martin-de-l'Arcon circuit. This is normally started from either St Martin or the Gorge d'Heric but I stated it in Mons. 10.5km 3H 30m. (The circuit itself is 7.5km 3H. Yellow.) Moderate in most books but on a hot day it can be quite challenging, don't underestimate the route, although not long, it's uphill on steep, rocky paths and downhill on even steeper rock ones!

If you want to start in Mons you can by following the yellow/red route down through the woods to the gorge but the route is easily started at the gorge car park. Walk up into the gorge and cross the little footbridge(soupirs). You will see yellow markers to your left. (The walk can be done in either direction).

The route on this path up to the col de Bertouyre takes about an hour (when you reach the blue route, you are about half way up). It's a long way up, but in the shade under holm oak trees all the way up. There are also some fine views of the gorge and the Jaur valley form time to time.

Once at the col keep on the path marked yellow, go past the cairns where you will find some super views of the valley below, you may even like to picnic at this spot.

It's not a lonely route in summer and you may find that you pass people from time to time on there way up and down the mountain. Now take one zigzag up on the route and you will come to a sign post to St Martin.

Turn left onto this path and descend carefully as it can be difficult especially at the beginning. As you get lower there are some beautiful views of the little village of St Martin with its lovely church below. Now the route descends through old chestnut woods then crosses the stream which is dry at the moment; a bonus as the bridge is still broken from the winter storms. In the village you can stay on the yellow markers which go up to the church parking area but I cross the road and turn right. You will see a gap between two houses, the path is marked blue, turn left down here.

It bear right between little stone walls and drops onto the yellow route once again, cutting off the corner. Now turn right onto this track and continue through the chestnut woods, old vines and taking a right hand slope you will arrive in La Coste. Turn right and go through the village taking a right again before passing under a white house.

Now turn left down a small path to a dry ford and up through the woods again. The path drops to your right onto a wider track before taking a left onto a small path. A lovely view here, my coffee spot! Now follow this little path back through the woods to the gorge. There is a cafe in the gorge car park.

If you are going to Mons don't forget to turn off at the railings and the confusing signpost. It's just another km to Mons. Do take plenty of water with you and if you have a dog some for them on the upper section. Lower down you will pass a couple of streams. Enjoy.