SENTIER DU LOUP DANS LES FOUGÈRES (N°65)

A beautiful route that follows the old railway line between Mayenne and Javron-les-Chapelles.

The loop starts from the car park opposite the cemetery at the entrance to Loupfougères (route de Mayenne), and is 75% overland. There is a picnic area at the start, and the Loup gîte d'étape in the centre of the village can accommodate up to 15 people. From the car park, walk straight down to the old railway line (through the "coulée verte") and turn left to reach the old station with its clock, which is still working. This railway line was brought into service in 1881, passenger transport ceased in 1971 and goods transport in 1990. Take the road to Champgenêteux on the right (D506), noting the mysterious milestone on the left, perhaps a Christianised megalith. Walk past the old wash-house, turn right onto the chemin de la Dorière and continue straight ahead. On this route, you run parallel to the railway line, without using it on the outward journey. Follow the signs along the hedge of a field, then take minor roads to approach the railway line at Chasseguerre castle. Located in the commune of Hardanges, this privately-owned château is frequently open on Heritage Days. Watch out for the crossroads: go under the bridge, then turn left and continue along the railway line to the right towards the Mayenne towpath. The circuit continues, arriving at the D147, take this road to the right for 1 km, then to the right at a calvary, go along a small wood and arrive at the route de la Chasse Guerre, turn right, continue to the railway line, turn left for 4.5 km to reach the starting point at Loupfougères.