La Roche Ecrite via Dos d'Ane

DURATION: 4 hours 30 out - 4 hours 30 return

 

ITINERARY

On arriving in the village of Dos d'Ane, go to the place known as "Grand Coin". There, a sign will show you the direction to take to get to the Roche Ecrite. There are several slippery areas on this path. After several straight, then steep sections and ladders, you will reach the bottom of the vertical pointed rock that is visible from the village. Looking back, you will see an impregnable view of Dos d'Ane and Grand Coin. Turn left and the ascent continues towards Piton Fougères with magnificent panoramas over Mafate. Be careful, there are several sections that are very steep, but not dangerous, if you take care. After ferny area, the path has no more steps, but there are muddy areas, where the shade of "bois de couleurs" trees will allow you to regain energy.

 

The first Highland Tamarinds will appear before you get to Piton Fougères and you must walk further under the cover of the trees to get to the Sentier de la Plaine d'Affouches. The woods are very pleasant and you are very often in the shade close to the rampart. During your ascent, you will see several views of Mafate. There is quite a long section where you will cross a beautiful area of primary forest (tamarinds, tree ferns, nastus bamboo, "bois de couleur", etc.)  Roots have replaced the usual log steps and it is very common to find muddy areas. A small path, a little before a large bend to the left, leading to the gîte, allows you to make a detour near the rampart to see a new view of the Crête de la Marianne and the Cirque.

 

The ground is grassy and pleasing to the eye. Several beautiful specimens of eucalyptus will indicate that you are nearing the gîte. On arrival at the gîte, in its beautiful Tamarind wood, you can rest for a few minutes before beginning the ascent towards La Roche Ecrite. A path to the right shows the way to La Roche Ecrite. A path leading to the Mare au Cerfs leads off to the right to the Caverne Dufour, but it is easy to rejoin the usual path to get to the summit 2 km further on, on the large slabs of lava, worn by time and feet. After 1 hour 30 minutes walking, you will arrive at the summit of La Roche Ecrite. Take the time to contemplate the landscapes from the rock covered in graffiti! Take the same route to return.