Our selected walks vary in time, distance
and the landscapes you will experience. Each walk has its own special
reason to be included whether for the spectacular countryside,
the wonderful views, the lovely villages or even a combination
of all of these. Although it isn't possible to do all the walks
in a week, the walking package includes details of each one so
that you can decide which walks you would like to do - we are very
happy to help you with our local knowledge.
Timings are for guidance based on an average pace
and do not include stops. We can provide suggestions to combine the
shorter walks with visits to other local attractions. A car is essential
for this itinerary. The walks are suitable for single people.
Walk 1 – Frayssinhes Circular (15km)
A good introduction to the surrounding countryside known as the “Jardin
du Ségala” – the word “ségala” is
derived from seigle or rye, the main crop grown here for many centuries.
Taking about 3.5 hours the walk rises from the hillside meadows through
oak and beech woods to a height of about 500m with spectacular views
in all directions. It then continues with more far-reaching views, passing
several small hamlets, before descending down through delightful mixed
woodland to a charming river valley and return to Frayssinhes. The area
is renowned for its wildlfowers and you may even spot the red squirrels
and pine marten that populate the woods.
Walk 2 – Medieval Villages & the
Causse (15km)
This circular walk is about 30 minutes from the house by car and is a
complete change from Walk 1, taking in two of the picture-postcard villages
designated as "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" and the dry
rocky Causse. Another 15km walk but slightly more challenging at about
four and a half hours plus time to look around the villages. Starting
at the picturesque Loubressac the
walk takes you to the edge of the fabulous limestone cliffs above Autoire before
descending down into the village. An optional small detour takes you
to the foot of the famous cascades. A short but steep ascent up the cliffs
offers dramatic views and reveals a host of unusual wildlflowers and
an opportunity to watch birds of prey circling above the valley. Your
route then takes you along the edge of the Causses
Regional Park with its amazing variety of flowers, butterflies and
birds. You pass by the very popular Caves at Padirac (a 2 hour visit
can be included although we recommend a separate day's visit) before
returning across the high Causse to Loubressac.
Walk 3 – Carennac & Mézels
(8.5km)
A shorter walk to allow you time to explore the lovely village of Carennac, said
to be one of the most popular places people would like to live - close
to the river Dordogne and containing an abbey started in the 11th century.
Partly following an ancient Roman Way the walk takes about 2.5 hours
and offers views high over the river Dordogne and across the valley.
Walk 4 – Hills & Valleys (21km)
Our longest walk and in our view, definitely an all day walk taking over
six hours to complete comfortably. Starting 10 minutes drive from
the house this walk takes you along a beautiful river valley with
steep hills rising either side before climbing to the village of
Terrou. You pass by groves of walnut trees with the wonderful aroma
of wild mint and thyme that grows alongside the road. Although close
to a number of villages this walk gives the impression of wilderness
and having the countryside to yourself - definitely a landscape to
make you feel refreshed and alive. Once you reach the end of the
valley you climb to the tops of the hills above the valley and return
along a number of ridges with 360 degree views. Another walk where
the wildlife is a highlight.
Walk 5 – Notre Dame de Verdale (6km)
The shortest walk and probably the easiest, a simple but delightful descent
from our house down through woods to the river valley where the water
tumbles over moss-covered rocks. Visit the remote chapel of the Notre
Dame de Verdale before strolling along the river to the local village
of Latouille which has an excellent restaurant for lunch. The walk
takes about 2 hours unless you find yourself just relaxing by the
river with your feet dangling in the water. We will arrange with
you to leave your car at the finish in Latouille.
Walk 6 – Chateau de Castelnau(7km)
Starting just the other side of St. Céré, this walk takes
you down through woods to then walk alongside the small river Bave. As
this area is quite fertile you will find a number of walnut groves and
fruit trees which attract a good variety of birds and butterflies. You
then climb gradually up to the impressive Chateau, a landmark that can
be seen for miles and offering wonderful views itself. The Chateau which
was begun in the 12th century and subsequently renovated by an opera
singer is open to the public (check times) although a stroll around the
jumble of houses is equally rewarding. The walk returns to the starting
point along a ridge with walnut, fig and even nectarines.
Walk 7 – Taking the High Ground - Teyssieu
(13km)
For this walk we take you back up to the high hills for more spectacular
views on a walk lasting four hours. Your starting point is the pretty
village of Teyssieu about 20 minutes from the house. From there you climb
gradually to reach a ridge that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding
countryside before descending down to the valley through fields and woods.
For a short while you follow one of the St. Jacques de Compestella routes
used by the pilgrims heading for Santiago in Spain and then you rise
again to see more views and pass through small hamlets and farms. Most
of the ascents are gradual and not too difficult – just the one
where you may need to take it easy!
Walk 8 – “Are we there yet?” – Beaulieu
sur Dordogne (12km)
Our latest addition to the itinerary, we just couldn’t miss out
a walk from the very picturesque town of Beaulieu
sur Dordogne. The name we have given it is really our warped sense
of humour and comes from the fact that there is a steady climb from near
the start that fools you several times into thinking you are at the top!
But do not be put off, Beaulieu is lovely, the climb isn’t too
bad and you are rewarded with the most fabulous views back down onto
the river. Throw in a wonderful Chateau and some delightful countryside
and local houses and this is definitely not one to miss. The town is
just inside the Correze and about 40 minutes drive from the house.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR
WALKING HOLIDAYS TAKE A LOOK AT OUR OTHER WEBSITE WWW.WALKING-HOLIDAY-FRANCE.CO.UK
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