A lovely trek from Trassanel to Cabrespine

4WD TerrainHoppers only.

Graded difficulty 2

(1=Easy, 2=moderate, 3=some difficulty, 4=difficult, 5=need someone with you!)

All paths are relatively wide, some ascent/descent.

Energy usage about 50%, Distance 15km

Just before you arrive in Trassanel, there is a spacious parking space. From the parking lot you turn right onto a path through fields. Immediately you get nice views of the plains below and if you are lucky of the Pyrenees.

Most of the path you follow is marked VTT (for mountain bikes). Upon arrival in Villeneuve, you can make a rest stop at the Caffee Keke or a pizza place. From Villeneuve you take the Chemin St Martin to Cabrespine. Which meanders past some farm houses, then ascents up to a cross roads. You go straight and come to a beautiful viewpoint. There again you can see mountains and down below the beautiful village of Cabrespine. You descent into Cabrespine.

NOTE: It is possible to walk to Trassanel from Cabrespine – which will take you a large part on the main road back to Villeneuve and then you turn right into the mountains onto a steep path. This is doable with the Terrainhopper, but there are parts of the path that are in the very difficult 5 category.

For more information, if you are going to do this walk, you can contact on my email: mzvelebil@gmail.com.

~ Dr Markéta Zvelebil

Time Taken: 04h 15m

Distance: 8.5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Weather Conditions: Mostly Sunny, with a few light shower spells in the afternoon.

Terrain Description

The ground was generally firm and dry for most with a few boggy patches scattered throughout. Some rocky terrain in places but with pretty easy alternate routes when needed.

Description of Journey:

From the starting point, the terrain was fairly flat and urbanised for about half a mile before you reached the first bridleway. After that you follow the main trail through 3 farm fields. You then come to a hill that’s a bit craggy, but if you vere to the left at the first big rock, you’ll see another pathway with a medium slope up to the top round the back of the rocks. When you reach the top you can see the church which is a nice area to stop for a short break. Great views here, the next mile is flat in places and occasionally down hill and follows a stream all the way to the end, occasionally came across some boggy bits here but nothing too bad.

Attractions / Accommodation:

The local villages are very idyllic, with plenty of pubs and restaurants to recharge after a long day. I’d certainly recommend the Cloak and Dagger for pub grub. We stayed in a B&B close by, would definitely recommend.