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Lac de la Gliere from Laisonnay d'en-Bas
Walk 6072

Country - France

Region - Savoie (73) - Vanoise National Park

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 11.0 km / 6.9 miles

Ascent - 450 metres / 1485 feet

Descent - 450 metres / 1485 feet

Time - 4.00 hours

Grade - easy/mod

Photo from the walk - Lac de la Gliere from Laisonnay d'en-Bas
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.

This walk takes you into the mountains to reach a beautiful lake lying to the northwest of Mont Casse (3855m), the highest mountain in the Vanoise National Park. The start is the end of the D91b public road running east from Champagny-en-Vanoise to Laisonnay d'en-Bas. Champagny is reached by turning off the D915 between Bozel and Pralognan. After leaving Champagny the road makes an interesting ascent of the valley for a short distance. Refreshments are available at the start of the walk and also close to Lac de la Gliere.

The walk is straightforward and there are no navigational difficulties. After parking follow the signs for Lac de la Gliere. The footpath sign sends you along a narrow path which soon joins a wide gravel track. However joining the gravel track from the start seems to be an easier way to start. Initially the track rises slowly but faced with a steep rise in the valley floor is forced to make a number of loops to gain height. On some of these loops shortcut paths have developed which I suppose makes ascent quicker. Reaching the top of the loops, the path gains height more slowly and you are able to enjoy the view ahead which includes the slopes of Mont Casse.

Reaching the turn-off for the Refuge de la Gliere, keep to the left and continue climbing. You will soon see the lake which is contained in a large bowl surrounded by mountains. It is a perfect place for a picnic. To return you can take the path down to Refuge which offers a wide range of food and drinks before following the outward path back to the start.

Suggested Maps

- IGN Carte de Randonnée - Les Trois Vallees & Modane, Parc National de la Vanoise - 1:25000 Sheet 3534 OT

- IGN Carte de Randonnée - Tignes/Val-d'Isere/Haute-Maurienne/Parc National de la Vanoise - 1:25000 Sheet 3633 ET

 

Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.

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