Le Roc Traucat. Vieussan to Le Pin on ancient paths.

Le Roc Traucat. 7.5km 3h. blue/yellow. We had planned to do the circuit as we have done the top part before and the roc itself is dramatic with lovely views from the tops, but mother nature had different plans today and sent us a storm in the middle of the walk. It was fine as I had planned for this seeing high clouds building a little as we enjoyed the sunshine leaving Vieussan. Park in the village, there is plenty of parking up there and the blue markers start as you reach the cross. Go right at first, not taking the path up to the tour. If doing the full walk you will return this way. don't take the right hand path to the church but a little further the street splits again and you need to go down and then up passed the last houses onto a little path marked blue. Soon you will reach a lovely blue bench, enjoy the views back to the village here before setting off. The yellow cistis and rosemary is wonderful here and the air is full of scent, but if wearing shorts the path is a little overgrown and the tiny kennel oaks are prickly on your legs. There are lots of ups and downs along the way on tiny rocky steps and as many beautiful views in all directions. Unfortunately as we reached a little area of small pines the heavens opened and the storm let us know that it was staying for a while. We picnicked under the pines to let it pass and then Martin said that he was wet enough and walked back to collect the car from Vieussan while Phoebe and I made our way to the pretty little village of Le Pin. The route goes uphill for a while now and passes another old tumble down house with more little rock steps before it evens outs and contours the hillside. Turn left at the little track and follow it into Le Pin. It's a very pretty little hamlet and very much worth a little wander around it's pretty lanes. If continuing up to the top take a left turn onto a yellow marked path up to the top There is a troglodyte house on the way up quite near the top. Join the blue route at the top, marking sure that you turn left onto it. Descend to the col. Soon you will reach the col Now make sure that you take the left fork here and following yellow markers again once more you will soon come to a viewpoint of the beautiful Orb valley below, it's here that you will see some ruins I believe these are those of the little church of San Julio. Now if you want to see the roc Traucat, which is truly magnificent, you need to follow the little red markers behind the ruins for about 5 mins up to the rock itself. It's a magnificent rock arch with views too. Return to the yellow path and turn right onto it. Heading down now back into Vieussan. The views of the village are lovely once again here and you can visit the tour as you pass it. Beautiful walk but don't choose a day with a big thunderstorm in the middle of it. http://www.randodoc.com/?page_id=3658