Ecrins National Park. Kev Reynolds

discover Les Clots lying below. After angling across the hillside the way then descends very steeply to join the path linking Les Clots with the saddle at the head of the ski tow. Turn left and at the next junction bear right.

      Coming to Les Clots join a track which swings left then right and curves round the hillside to bring you into Ventelon (1755m, 4hrs: refreshments). Bear right along the main street to pass below the hotel/bar, and wander along the road which leads to Les Terraces. When you reach the church (20mins from Ventelon) bear left and descend to La Grave via the waymarked GR54 by which the walk began.

      Note: To make a 1¾hr circular walk from the Oratoire, bear right at the first saddle and go down to its lowest part, then left on a descending path to Les Clots. From that hamlet take another signed path which angles across the hillside roughly westward, and brings you to the path junction above the orientation table. Go down to the road.

ROUTE 7

      La Grave (1481m) – Hameau de Valfroide (1874m) – Lac du Goléon (2438m)

Start	La Grave (1481m)
Distance	7km (one way)
Total Ascent	957m
Grade	2
Time	3–3½hrs (5½hrs return)
Location	Northeast of La Grave

      Lac du Goléon lies trapped by a glacial sill at the lower end of a hanging valley northeast of La Grave. The walk to it from the string of hamlets that make up the Hameau de Valfroide is a popular one in the high summer season, but that is understandable for it's an interesting route, not too demanding, and with some very fine views to enjoy. Visitors with their own transport could drive as far as Les Hières and walk from there, thus saving about an hour on the initial section, although the walk from La Grave itself encourages a leisurely study of the balcony villages and hamlets that enjoy such splendid outlooks to the Meije.

      Walk uphill through La Grave, passing the church to your left, and make for the highest part of the village where you bear left in front of Le Château. A few paces later break away on a path on the right signed to Ventelon. It's a clear path which climbs steeply through flower-filled meadows – often with views onto the rooftops of La Grave – and eventually comes out onto a road after about 35mins. Cross straight ahead to shortcut a hairpin, rejoining the road moments later. Walk towards Ventelon, seen just above, but take the right branch at a junction on the D333, direction Les Hières.