Aveyron, France - Walk the Causse Noir

As you near the top, the path turns sharply to the left, but you can't resist the temptation to follow the narrow track that takes you out onto a natural stone balcony.

Here your efforts are rewarded by a view that lifts you heart. Far below, the Jonte and the village of Peyreleau; to the right, the sheer walls of the gorge de la Jonte, and across the gorge, the Causse Mejean, the massive rock at Capluc and the dark folds of the gorge du Tarn disappearing into the distance.

The going is easier now and you pick up the pace as the trail, now a soft sandy path, winds through the woods until you emerge into a wide clearing on top of the cornice. Turning left you pick up a wider cart path that trails back towards the edge of the gorge passing an enormous over-hanging rock formation - le champignon.

After following the cart path through the woodland for another half and hour or so, you pick up the faintest of trails that dives down between the densely packed trees to your right.

Narrow, stony and exhilarating, the path sweeps between rock formations tracing the line of a small valley that runs down to the Jonte, still many hundreds of feet below.

Looking around, you get the feeling you've been magically transported to some distant wilderness. It's silent; there are no signs of civilisation. The world is just you and your friends and this narrow trail through the woods.

After three or four kilometres, you cross onto a short, steep descent and before you know it you're back in Peyreleau where your journey began some 4 hours earlier.

It's just been a few hours, but you feel your spirit has been lifted just that little bit. Yes, you're back in civilisation, but you know you can always come back whenever you feel the need.