Circuit - Balade Medievale, Cabrieres

Circuit - Balade Medievale, Cabrieres. 7km 2h. This is a glorious walk and is now very high up my favourites list. There is a steady climb to the castle but the views up to pic de vissou and the surrounding mountains and vineyards. Park at the car park opposite the coop cave in Cabrieres and walk up to the junction where you will see the signpost for the walk starting point. Turn left and walk up through the village. Pass the lovely water fountain and after a while keep left. When you near the end of the houses you will see a small left turn in front of a house, take this and continue until you reach a left turn up a tiny rocky path. The path continues you on a fairly steep, rocky route to reach a more level path. Here you will see a left turn taking you further up the rocky slopes (If you would rather avoid the Ruins of the Roman castle, chapel and amazing views but tricky rocky route, you can continue on this path and miss it all). Now continue up this little path until you see a sign for the Chateau.(Here you can take this short detour of around 20 minutes to the summit of the rocky outcrop. This is where the Roman castle and tower once stood. It's a beautiful circuit around the rocky top, with wonderful views. Now retrace your steps to the little junction and turn right down the other side of the hill. This side is very rocky but soon you will come to the ruins of the Chapel st Roman. It's wonderful being able to picnic in the ruins. Now continue on the little stoney path as it turns right along the side of the hill. There are lots of orchids up here as well as blossom and butterflies. When you reach a junction take the little path to your left and the left onto the next path. You reach another signpost and a turn left down a wide track. Soon taking a left turn into the wood on a tiny rocky and quite slippery path. The path crosses a couple of small bridges and finally comes out on a wider track into the valley which is filled with fields of vines. Follow this track until it reaches the main road. Keep left to reach the car park a little distance towards the village.