The circuit of the Caroux

The circuit of the Caroux. 8.5 km/3 hours. Yellow markers. This is not a difficult walk but there are some steeper parts and it's over fairly rough ground. Start in Douch. D180 from Le Poujol-sur-orb. The car park is just outside the village. Walk up the zigzag path to reach the summit. Lovely views to the north on the way up. Then right, down over the GR across marshy land covered in cotton flowers and marsh orchids. This whole area is covered in yellow broom at the mountain and scents the air wonderfully. The path goes over boardwalks and then up through pine forests. At a junction turn left to the table of orientation. The views here are amazing, right down to the coast and beyond. Now continue heading west along the yellow route as it hugs the edge of the Caroux. Soon you will come to the refuge where there are picnic tables if you haven't already eaten. The path turns north/right and crosses an area covered in broom again then drops down into beech woods. More views follow as you arrive at some steps. Lovely views to your left at the rocks too, if you decide to investigate. Go down the steps and though more beech woods before finally descending into Douch. Turning right at the bread oven will bring you back to the car park. We were on and off up in the clouds today, but it was still a lovely walk and we didn't get wet. Take plenty of water on a hot day and a hat too. I always carry a jacket up there even on a really sunny day as you never know what will happen.