The Combe Grède is a very well-known and popular gully in the Bernese Jura. It is located opposite Villeret, in the Saint-Imier Valley and leads to the Chasseral in a direct line. The Combe Grède trail is well-maintained: it has ladders, steps and handrails. It should be noted that part of the trail is dismantled in the winter, and, due to some tragic accidents, the trail is closed during the winter season. It is interesting to note that the popularity of and the promotion for the Combe Grède are not new. In fact, at the Villeret stop, there is an old signpost inviting you to follow the red marks to reach the Combe Grède.
The Combe Biosse, on the other hand, opens out into the upper part of the Combe Grède, but from the Val de Ruz. It is less spectacular than the Combe Grède, but also a little more confidential and therefore less frequented.
We started in Saint-Imier and went downhill first to climb back up. We passed the Longines workshops, a rare watch brand that does not refer to a family name but to a place name. As we climbed, we passed the curious athletics stadium of Saint-Imier, which is a 300m track but with much sharper bends. After crossing a hillside, we reached the entrance to the Combe Grède. The valley quickly narrows, and the trail follows the small stream.
After a wider section, we began the serious part of the climb. First, the trail climbs steeply towards the rocks that close off the upper part of the gully. At one point, you really wonder how you are going to get through, but the trail winds its way between the ledges on the left to gain height and overcome the rocks. The exit from the Combe Grède is surprising: in the space of 100 meters, you go from a vertical environment to a flat area: the Pré aux Auges.
From there, we climbed a little further to reach the road, which was very busy that day (it was Ascension Thursday). We were relieved to reach the Dombresson Métairie, where we found a little peace and quiet. After the Métairie, the trail descends through the pastures to the bottom of the Combe where the Ruz Chasseran flows.
At the end of the Combe Biosse, we heard noise again, as the road leading up to the Col des Pontins is very close by. To avoid going down to the Pâquier, we went up to Clémesin, which gave us a magnificent view of the upper part of the Val de Ruz. The descent to Villiers is a bit less pleasant, as we had to cross hay fields where the grass was very high and made it difficult to see where we were stepping.
Route: Saint-Imier – La Combe Grède – Pré aux Auges – Métairie de Dombresson – Combe Biosse – Clémesin – Villiers
Distance: 14.7km
Elevation gain: 870m
Duration: 5h30
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