ROUTE ONE: HUELGOAT TO ST MICHEL DE BRASPARTS

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Take the D 14 north to join the D769 at Berrien. At Le Plessis turn left along the D111 to Le Relecq. From Huelgoat the road climbs up to run through high open countryside, part moorland and part grazing land. The D111 is through woodland.

Le Relecq

Time seems to have stood still in this village; the only indication that tourists ever pass is the sign advertising the local potter. Driving between the pillars of an old gateway on the right-hand side of the road, you enter a large rustic square. On your left is a small L-shaped cluster of stone houses. Opposite, a couple of somewhat shabby, more substantial houses stand in delightfully natural gardens, and on your right is the church of the old Cistercian abbey.

Dating from the 12th C (although the facade is I8th century), the church has a dilapidated charm which is entirely in keeping with the rest of the village.

Continue on the D111. At Plouneour-Menez turn left on to the D785.

Le Relecq to Roc’h Trevezel

For the most part the Montagnes d’Arree can only be described as impressively hilly; the Roc’h Trevesel, however, is definitely a mountain. Its jutting peaks, which rise out of a high moorland plateau, can be seen in the distance even before you reach Plouneour, although the nearby communications mast is likely to be the first thing that catches your eye. Not far beyond the D764-D785 crossroads is a sign-posted footpath to the Roc’h (there is no special car park, just pull in by the roadside). It is only a few minutes’ walk to the top, and the views from here are among the most memorable on the tour: to the west you can see as far as Brest; to the north the Baie de Lannion is visible, while to the south you can see the St-Michel mountain (your next stop) and beyond to the Montagnes Noires, Brittany’s other principal mountain chain. The view to the south-east, over the St-Michel reservoir, is unfortunately marred by the nuclear power plant buildings. A leisurely picnic will give you time to absorb it all; however, if you prefer not to carry your baguettes, cheese and vin de table quite so far, the next stop offers another agreeable picnic spot.

Roc’h Trevezel to St-Michel de Braspart
Continue on the D785, then either turn right to St-Rivoal along the 1 -D42, or, for a short detour to the Montagne St-Michel, keep on the D785, -past a small creperie, then turn right to St-Michel. A flight of steps from the car park leads to the tiny chapel of St Michel-de-Brasparts which crowns this great rounded mountain; the views from here are stunning, although not quite in the same class as those to be seen from Roc’h Trevezel.