The Merdarel

Departure and parking: along the road, 100 metres after turning the corner of the winery

1. Take the ascending road due north, towards Puy Cervier. Pass the cemetery and reach the water tank.
2. Turn left, keeping the direction of Puy Cervier and join the E142 track. At the next two crow's feet, continue right on the ascending track. The path is a nice track, allowing you to cross a forest of Austrian black pines from reforestation. Pass a forest hut and go through a gate just before reaching the next intersection
3. Follow the direction of the Merdarel torrent on the path that goes below on the left. This path, sometimes suspended, offers an overhanging view of the marnières. The tour of the Merdarel catchment area allows you to cross its many dry tributaries. These are only in water when there is sufficient rainfall. It also allows the observation of the numerous works of torrential correction, implemented by the State services to try to tame the torrent and the associated landslides. Join the eastern side of the torrent.
>> Some passages on the marnières are vertiginous. Although they do not present any particular difficulties, it is important to be comfortable with the void!
4. Following a downhill section, resume the ascent towards the village of Jarjayes by taking an ascending path just opposite. After a steep section and many views of the marl pits, the path leads to a plateau
5. From here there is a magnificent view of the Ceüse mountain and the Pic de Bure on one side, and the Puy Maurel telecom antenna on the other. Then head towards Valserres via a path that descends to the left. Cross the track that crosses the path and continue on a charming track through dry moorland and fields. It leads to the road. Turn left for about 50m, just as you pass the hairpin
6. Go over the fence and onto a downhill path which is on the outside of the hairpin. Continue on this, across fields, until you reach a farm track. Take this to the left, along the edge of the pasture, and continue along it. Enjoy the view over the vineyards, the orchards, the village of Valserres and its bell tower before reaching the Merdarel stream. Walk along the watercourse, along a small path going down along the vineyard to reach the starting car park.

>> Recommendations
- Running in the bed of a torrent : this itinerary runs entirely or partly near a torrent. Dry most of the time, floods in stormy weather are frequent and dangerous. Do not use this route in the event of a storm or heavy rain! Consult the weather forecast before embarking on this route.
- Aerial passages: some passages on the marnières are vertiginous. Although they do not present any particular difficulties, you must be at ease with the void!

>> All the information on Alpesrando.net
http://www.alpesrando.net/pedestre00/merdarel00/

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