Miriouges Gravel
Overview
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Distance 15 km
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Ascent 460 m
Intro
A varied gravel loop through the holiday region of Crans-Montana: From the Etang de la Moubra lake, you travel on gravel paths and narrow roads through Les Vernasses and Lens, with its imposing statue of Christ. Along the route, there are numerous lakes where you can bathe, regular views of the Rhone Valley, a wonderful forest atmosphere and typical Valais villages.
Detour / Closure
There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switzerland/route-178
Description
This circular tour begins on the shores of the Etang de la Moubra lake, which offers a sunbathing area and possibilities for swimming, stand-up paddling and fishing. You reach the centre of Crans-Montana on the road. After a detour to the Étang Grenon, you leave the holiday resort, travelling westwards past the golf course. Narrow local roads and small gravel paths link Crans-Montana to Les Vernasses above Icogne. This section is dotted with trees, and the view of the western section of the Rhone Valley during the descent is particularly impressive. A short, steep section on a gravel path requires a degree of caution so that you can fully enjoy the descent.
After Les Vernasses, the road takes you south and continues down. You cycle on paths and small country roads to Lens. Shortly before the village, you reach the Le Louché lake, which is fed from the overflow from the Etang des Miriouges lake, which you will see on the way back. This stretch crosses the historic village centre, which features typical small streets and houses. The Catholic St-Pierre parish church, built in 1843, is impressive. However, the real landmark is the 15-metre-high statue of Christ erected in 1935, which stands on the hill of Le Châtelard in the background, towering over the village.
From Lens, you ascend towards Chermignon, with the route alternating between meadows and the edge of the forest. The gravel route then turns north-east to the Etang des Miriouges lake. This is fed by a “bisse” (irrigation channel) and is surrounded by unique vegetation. The final section takes you gently uphill on beautifully shaded forest paths and ends back at the starting point, on the shores of the Etang de la Moubra lake.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Crans-Montana
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Crans-Montana
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| Ascent |
460 m
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| Descent |
460 m
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| Distance |
15 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
9 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
6 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz... |
Quick Facts
Route number
