Trail running No. 22 - St-Guiral Vertical

The duration of the route can vary from 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the trail runner's level.

1. From the parking area, head towards the hamlet of Viala and cross through it.
2. Just after leaving the hamlet, and only after 400 meters of flat terrain, take the path on the right. The ascent begins on this path, climbing in large switchbacks through a beautiful forest to reach a huge rocky slab, forming a very distinctive triangular cliff. This is a technically challenging section, with beautiful rocky terrain where caution and vigilance are required.
3. After passing this natural obstacle, having climbed 235 meters (km 2.6 and 764m altitude), head right towards the Labarthe mountain, this long ridge that undulates in the open, gorse-covered landscape above the Viala stream and the hamlets nestled in this deep valley, Refregiès and Le Serieys.
4. Near the Pointe du Pal (km 6.9 and 1120m altitude), the route becomes gentler as you reach this beautiful balcony trail leading to the Col de la Guérite (km 8.9 and 1150m altitude).
5. After this large forest junction, climb for the final part of this Vertical Kilometer, 1.8km and 180m of elevation gain, to catch a glimpse of the summit of St-Guiral, which rises like a rocket from this small oasis of heather. The end of this climb is the entrance to the Cévennes National Park, 80m from St-Guiral, which is not climbed.

Return to the starting point via the same route or via circuit no. 22 St-Guiral Circus (approximately 18km to St-Jean).

Recommendations: A 1.5L water tank is essential, as well as a windproof and energy food supply.