Trail d'Aqui - Bessuéjouls

A start in a pilgrim village! From April to November, you're likely to come across many hikers going the wrong way.

The first 5 km are surely the least pleasant of the route: it's uphill, there are a few stretches of asphalt, and you run alongside or over the D920. Nevertheless, this gives you the chance to gain height and tackle a pretty flat monotrace at km 5.

The fast, easy descent to Bois-Petit brings you back to asphalt, just long enough to catch your breath. After all, the terrible côte de la Bessette Haute is just around the corner: steep sections where you should not hesitate to alternate between running and walking (800m at 15%).

At the top, you can enjoy the view over the valley. Mas Nau then La Caze (dog possible) follow, and you plunge down a sublime forest monotrace (be careful not to miss the 2 right-hand turns) to the sublime Cohulet chapel.

A few meters of respite on the road before embarking on a long, long climb of 2.2km for 200 D+ along the Lafous stream. Manageable!

At the summit, you've covered 12km for 600 D+! Ouch!

Finally, the plateau: this is where you need to be able to relaunch! 5km of plateau on a downhill slope.

Another easy, fast descent takes you into the heart of the Ruisseau d'Astruges valley. Watch out for the bump on the way out: 600m at 16%! after an easy 2km on the plateau, you pass Talou (watch out for the dog at times) and plunge down to Batut and then Brussac. It's beautiful, it's rolling, it's fun.

The next 2km are superb: the cirque carved out by the Fignac stream is there, and it's flat!

At Ambrans (possible dog), you plunge into this famous stream, which you follow, step over, along and around for 2km: invigorating in winter, refreshing in summer!

A small slope takes you to Les Cazelles and then Le Claux, the foot of the penultimate difficulty! Be careful: 500m at 19%, it hurts! The best run all the way to the summit, but most will walk here?

At the summit, watch out, as you come straight out onto the road! A well-earned bit of asphalt to refresh your thighs, and you're off for the penultimate 1km descent to Les Camps.

We take a deep breath before arriving at the foot of the last climb, well known to locals and pilgrims alike, who take it downhill: 1km and 120 D+. It's a steady climb and you have to listen to yourself from the foot.

At the top, enjoy the impressive view of the Lot valley, the Coudoustrines mill and the village of Espalion in the background.

1.5km of plateau separate you from the final descent! And what a descent it is! 800m and 150 D-: an average of almost 19%! Enough to finish off your legs, which weren't asking for much?

What more could you ask for when you arrive in the village with its water and toilet facilities?