Crete de l'Ourbes 12,5k
near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (France)
Viewed 1273 times, downloaded 15 times
Trail photos
![Photo ofCrete de l'Ourbes 12,5k](https://s1.wklcdn.com/image_46/1406217/10223733/6146254.400x300.jpg)
![Photo ofCrete de l'Ourbes 12,5k](https://s2.wklcdn.com/image_46/1406217/10223733/6146267.400x300.jpg)
![Photo ofCrete de l'Ourbes 12,5k](https://s0.wklcdn.com/image_46/1406217/10223733/6146277.400x300.jpg)
Itinerary description
An excellent run near the entrance to the Gorge du Verdon. Great views of the Lac St. Croix. I had a great time. Started at 06.45 on a july morning, 25 degrees centigrade. Along the way I met 1 hiker, several wild mountain goats and a snake.
The trail is a loop of 12,5k. It is easy to find and can be run 80% of the way. But, since I live in a flat country, your experience may differ!
Since this was quite a challenging trail for me, I made a conscious effort to keep the legs in decent shape until the crest. No need to blow up early in the ascent. On the steepest parts I switched from running to walking whenever it felt more efficient. Reliable trailrunning sources have taught me there is no shame in that ;-)
I chose to do this loop counterclockwise for a number of reasons:
- to climb the steepest part of the trail rather than descent it
- to do all the climbing in the shadow of the mountain
- to have the part along the road first, early in the morning before there is much traffic.
Some practical points:
- the trail starts at a small parking spot along the D952. There is room for a few cars.
- it took me 2:30 hrs to do the loop, including some breaks to take pictures & catch my breath.
- I had 1 liter of water, which was enough. There is no opportunity to refill along the way, at least not in july.
I marked this trail 'difficult' since some parts of it are rather technical. Be sure to watch where you are going!
If you run this route, please leave a comment! I would love to hear your review and suggestions.
The trail is a loop of 12,5k. It is easy to find and can be run 80% of the way. But, since I live in a flat country, your experience may differ!
Since this was quite a challenging trail for me, I made a conscious effort to keep the legs in decent shape until the crest. No need to blow up early in the ascent. On the steepest parts I switched from running to walking whenever it felt more efficient. Reliable trailrunning sources have taught me there is no shame in that ;-)
I chose to do this loop counterclockwise for a number of reasons:
- to climb the steepest part of the trail rather than descent it
- to do all the climbing in the shadow of the mountain
- to have the part along the road first, early in the morning before there is much traffic.
Some practical points:
- the trail starts at a small parking spot along the D952. There is room for a few cars.
- it took me 2:30 hrs to do the loop, including some breaks to take pictures & catch my breath.
- I had 1 liter of water, which was enough. There is no opportunity to refill along the way, at least not in july.
I marked this trail 'difficult' since some parts of it are rather technical. Be sure to watch where you are going!
If you run this route, please leave a comment! I would love to hear your review and suggestions.
You can add a comment or review this trail
Comments