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ROUTE 7

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

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.