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ROUTE 6

La Grave (1481m) – Oratoire du Chazelet (1840m) – Signal de la Grave (2446m) – Ventelon (1755m) – La Grave

Start	La Grave (1481m)
Distance	13km
Total Ascent	965m
Grade	2–3
Time	5–5½hrs
Location	North of La Grave

A fairly long and demanding, but by no means difficult, route to a modest summit viewpoint north of La Grave, this outing needs settled weather to gain maximum enjoyment from it. A wonderful overview of the region is gained from many parts of the walk, but the descent to Ventelon is very steep in places and can be rather tiring.

Follow directions to the orientation table above the Oratoire du Chazelet, as outlined in Route 4. At an altitude of 1856m, this is gained in about an hour from La Grave. Continue on the path above the orientation table (direction Les Clots and Signal de la Grave), angling gently up through meadows with good views onto Le Chazelet. About 10mins from the road you will come to a junction marked by a signpost. The right-hand path goes to Les Clots, but we take the alternative which makes a rising traverse of the left-hand hillside.

The alpenglow colours La Meije, seen from Le Chazelet

Approaching a chairlift views open to reveal the Vallon de la Ga topped by Pic du Mas de la Grave. Beyond the chairlift the way curves right into the Combe de Martignare, banked with wild flowers. The track is joined by another shortly after reaching a ski tow, and on passing under the tow the way cuts back on itself in a hairpin. When the track forks soon after, take the left branch to pass under the ski tow once more. The way snakes uphill virtually following the line of another ski tow, and emerges onto a grass saddle at its head (2hrs).

Bear left at the saddle and rise up the broad but steeply sloping grass ridge to gain a domed high point of 2271m. Beyond this descend to a second saddle (2252m) where a grass path cuts back to the right – this is used on the descent to Ventelon. Ignore this alternative for now and continue along the ridge, with Signal de la Grave and its summit cairn seen ahead. The path rises to it without complication, reaching the crown with its impressive panoramic views about 2hrs 45mins from La Grave.

Descend by the same path as far as the second saddle (2252m) met on the ascent, then slant downhill slightly left ahead – now aiming south. It's a grass path which becomes intermittent, but with a few tiny cairns to direct the way. Soon Les Terraces is seen directly ahead, then you suddenly 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.