A pleasant outing along the old railway line to the hamlet of Les Esperelles and Ancise Pass.
Points of interest: typical Cevenol hamlet, attractive views over the valley and passage through three of the former railway line's tunnels.
| Department | Lozère |
|---|---|
| Departure municipality | Ventalon en Cévennes |
| Outing type | Hike |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Duration | 3:00 |
| Recommended period | from january to december |
| Environment | Mountains |
| Kilometres | 12 km |
| Altitude upon departure | 480m |
| Change in altitude | 300m |
From the N106, take the D29 towards Saint-Frézal-de-Ventalon. After 4 km, you will find Les Cessenades, the starting point of the outing.
Equip yourself with a torch (several tunnels to cross).
From Les Cessenades, turn left and after 100 metres, in the bend, take the small path leading down on your left. After three bends, you will arrive at the old railway line.
Turn right and continue to the old station of Saint-Frézal-de-Ventalon. Pass the gate (remember to close it) and enter the tunnel. Continue along the railway line to the bridge. Cross the bridge and make your way around the old station of La Vignette.
Continue towards Les Esperelles until you reach the hamlet.
First of all, you will arrive in Les Esperelles Basses, then in Les Esperelles Hautes. The tarmac road stops after the last house. Continue along the forest path. After about 15 mins, you will arrive at a fork in the road below the Pigeyre house. Continue straight ahead, cross the river and climb to Ancise Pass (781 m).
Before the start of the tarmac road, take the small path on your left (yellow sign "Col des Hauts de Saint Privat 1.1 km", signposted in blue). Follow this path to the Hauts de Saint Privat Pass and instead of heading down, continue to follow the blue signs (Sentier de la Crête trail). Continue to follow the blue signs until you reach the old railway line. Stop following the blue signs and turn left. Pass through the small tunnel and continue to the entrance to the large tunnel.
The large tunnel is now closed (decree of 2009). When you reach it, you have to take the path on the right which leads to Les Esperelles. Climb back down to the bridge.
Alternative route: take the path on the right of the tunnel, which is still the highest path. Take the two hairpin bends to the tarmac road. Turn right and turn right again at the fork in the road. You will arrive at the old station of La Vignette. You are now on the other side of the tunnel.
Turn right after the tunnel, cross the bridge and turn right along the old railway line to the second shorter tunnel. Cross the road and pass the gate (remember to close it). Continue for a further 10 mins and take the path on the left. After three bends, you will find yourself back where you started.
