Old Dam Trail

D Departure (GPS: 656 002 – 7 551 589; alt. 66m): head east. Cross the third bridge and follow the track in good condition towards the north-west (shortly after the curve to the left, going up, there is a water point on the right of the track). Turn right towards the north-east and reach an open area. 1 Intersection (GPS: 656 279 – 7 551 944; alt. 121m): continue straight ahead, avoiding a ramp on the left. Cross a small bridge and climb along the right track. Join an intersection in the curve on the left. Turn right towards the south-west. Follow the track south/south-east. Continue about 140 m and turn right. 2 Former base camp (GPS: 656 386 – 7 551 602; alt. 138m): cross the remains of a concrete slab (the camp dates from 1952 to 1954, when the current dam was built). The trail continues west and climbs the side of a small ridge. Once you've arrived on the ridge, turn left towards the south-east to come out at a small stone platform. 3 Rest area (GPS: 656 372 – 7 551 450; alt. 159m): it is a pleasant place to relax and observe (information panel). Continue along the edge of the ridge to the south-east (viewpoint over the old dam). 4 Summit (GPS: 656 401 – 7 551 397; alt. 164m): the rocky path tumbles in zigzags in a small dry forest and leads to a good dirt track. 5 Intersection (GPS: 656 353 – 7 551 255; alt. 107 m): turn left. Follow the track south-east. Go past a wide and steep intersection in red earth embankments, then descend towards the river (north-east). 6 Apron (GPS: 656 518 – 7 551 238; alt. 85 m): (site of the old gauge: an instrument which graphically records the variations in the water level as a function of time; some beautiful water holes; 270m upstream is the old dam), turn right to continue above along the right bank of the river in a downstream direction. 7 Viaduct (GPS: 656 240 – 7 551 291; alt. 63m) (it is partially destroyed): continue following the river towards the north-west, then turn right to go up the track. Turn left at the first intersection, then join point 5. 5 Intersection: continue straight ahead to reach a small platform of red earth. Turn right north-east, then left, and finally right. Come out on the main track at the level of point 1. 1 Intersection: turn left to reach the start. © Text by Jean Francis Clair FFrandonnée® grading * Effort: IBP 28 Fairly easy (light blue) * Technical difficulty: Fairly easy (light blue) * Risk: Fairly low (light blue) * Overall score: Fairly easy (light blue)