Chemin de la Combe Grède

The challenging route begins in Saint-Imier and climbs up through the Combe Grède gorge. This remarkable nature protection area with its steep and impressive rock basins is home to chamois and marmots. Past the ruins of the legendary Château d'Erguël, the path leads back down again to Sonvilier.

From Saint-Imier railway station, the route leads out of the village and soon heads towards the wooded slopes of the Jura. For long stretches, the La Suze valley sets the direction. At first, a yellow-waymarked hiking trail climbs uphill, then the path becomes steeper and takes on the character of a mountain hiking trail for some time. Between woodland and open pastures, the ascent totals around 700 metres in elevation.

After just under two hours, the highest point is reached at around 1,330 m. The terrain then becomes gentler. Alternating steadily between pasture and woodland, the route descends to Les Pontins and continues towards Sonvilier. The Ruines du Château d'Erguel lie in the forest not far from the trail, before the final kilometres lead back down into the valley. After around 13 kilometres and a good four hours, the hike ends in Sonvilier, with the railway station immediately beside the finish.