Today, our columnist Sylvain Pasdeloup, takes us for a breath of invigorating fresh air along the Allier.
A 17 km loop
We therefore leave for 17km from Cournon d’Auvergne at the height of the Pont de Cournon. You can easily find places to park there and after, it’s off for a 17km loop composed in part of the wonders of small winding paths along our magnificent Allier river, we remember it as one of the last great wild rivers in ! We run here at our own pace along the water, on well-marked and fairly flat paths to the village of Dallet with a detour through the very beautiful Cliffs of Malmouche.
It is the high cliff of all the Val d’Allier. Here the river has dug the clay-limestone and the cliff conceals hundreds of habitats for swallows, European bee-eaters and kingfishers. The site is magnificent and after this short break we set off again for about 3km to Dallet with narrow winding paths well shaded in the alluvial forest or, for those who prefer it, the route of the Via Allier, the new cycle route which follows the river.
The Dolce Vita of the Runner
A passage by the Pont de Dallet and the left bank of the Allier takes shape with a return to the starting point with the rare hills of the route and a real geological curiosity, certainly invisible but told by a panel, the mine of the roys , a bituminous limestone deposit mined here between 1884 and 1984.
Water, paths that don’t climb too much, nuggets to discover on the route…for a short 17km in the cool and without difficulty, that’s my advice for the day! The path is marked in yellow all along and for those who want to prolong the pleasure, you can extend the path after Dallet to Pont du Château, on portions that are also still quite wild.
Next week, Sylvain will focus on two rather urban trails, because yes it does exist! In the meantime, don’t forget to share your most beautiful sporting moments on the social networks of France Bleu Pays d’Auvergne. Good day to all !