Saturday, 25 April 2015

Mons, Bardou, Heric, Gorge de Heric .A walk in the Languedoc.

Mons, Bardou, Heric, Gorge de Heric. 11km/4h Medium distance and no really difficulties. Take the yellow/red lined trail from the village of Mons up a fairly steep track for about 5km .

The trail has beautiful views of the Jaur valley, ravine and Espinouse. It goes through mainly oak and chestnut forest. Watch out for mouflon here, I didn't see any today but did see a beautiful large deer near the river. 


There are also woodpeckers up here and red squirrel. Ignore all yellow, blue or red dotted trails that leave it from the left or right (the trail does level off a little as you get near to the col du Bardou. You now reach the GR7 at a junction of paths (If you want to have a picnic go up the blue trail here for about 100m, it's a beautiful spot overlooking the gorge and is my idea of heaven).

Take a right onto the GR red/white markers, this trail is steep for about 1.5km and takes you down to a little bridge over the river. Once over the river the trail climbs up to the hamlet of Heric and passes some lovely pools on the way. These are a good place for another rest or go on to the Buvette in Heric for refreshments.

Leave the GR in Heric and take the gorge road down through the beautiful Gorge de Heric for about 5km. There are waterfalls and pretty beaches along this route with magnificent scenery too. In the river I spotted quite a few dippers and slender wagtails in the water. Lots of information boards too.

Once out of the gorge follow the road a little way and you will see some railing beside a house on your left. Follow the yellow/red markers back to Mons though the pretty wooded path, lined by old stone walls.

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