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Crossing the ridge of Mont Racine

The top of Mont Racine is a privileged destination because it is located on the crest of the Jura overlooking Lake Neuchâtel. Therefore, the view you enjoy is particularly beautiful, if the weather permits, which was not quite the case that day. Clouds covered part of the ridge and obscured much of the landscape. Also, a little later we had a small downpour which forced us to take cover under an eaves.

At the start of La Sagne, the first step is to cross the valley of the same name to climb the first slopes leading to Mont Racine. It is then interesting to follow the itinerary called “Sentier des Statues” or “Sentier des Sculptures”. All along the trail you can see sculptures made from the tree trunks.

Leaving the above-mentioned trail, the numbered itinerary climbs directly to Mont Racine. However, you arrive at a point where the view is not as clear. It is better to go to the Grandes Pradières and take the crests trail to the summit. One then enjoys a much more unobstructed view.

After crossing the top, you may be tempted to follow the marked trail. However, it is more advantageous to follow the crest along a trail leading to the chalets of Cucheroux. You then have a view of the Creux du Van and part of the Val de Travers. The first time I went through Cucheroux-Dessous, I had followed one more section of the ridge to the power line tower to try to follow a trail that was still on maps in the 2010s. It was a very bad idea. It is better to take the forest road to La Mauvaise Combe. There, we come across the marked trail crossing the road twice before descending to Rochefort.

After Rochefort, it is a matter of climbing a little to get over a hill before descending to Chambrelien.

Route : La Sagne – Sentier des Statues – Grandes Pradières – Mont Racine – Cucheroux Dessus et Dessous – Mauvaise Combe – Rochefort – Chambrelien
Distance: 13.7Km
Altitude gain: 530m
Duration: 4h30

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