The Chasseral a little differently

We wanted to go up to the Combe Grède, but at the same time we wanted to start from the Savagnières. That is why we started by going up towards the Métairie des Plânes and then down into the Combe Grède via the Ilsach. This way, we joined the middle of the Combe Grède, above the first rocky outcrop. We also avoided the first part of the Combe, which is not as spectacular as the second part.

After a climb, which is steep in places, we found ourselves literally at the foot of the wall. The first ladder is very short and only overcomes a small rock face. The second ladder is a little taller and allowed us, by the left bank, to return to the bottom of the Combe. It is just after this point that we found ourselves in a rocky circle and wondered how we were going to get out. In fact, the path goes to the left and climbs in a series of switchbacks up the steep slope. A little higher up, as we thought we were going to get out of the Combe Grède, a final outcrop had to be still overcome to reach a flat area at the Pré aux Auges.

To go up to the Chasseral, we then followed the bottom of a small valley that leads to the road, near the Métairie de Saint-Jean. We then crossed the road twice to follow a path, which is a little rough, that climbs diagonally up the slope to reach the crest near the Hôtel du Chasseral. All that is left to do is follow the road for the last kilometer to reach the summit. The geodetic signal indicating the summit is located just next to the large telecommunications tower.

For the return, we had decided to pass near the Petit Chasseral and the Métairie de Morat to go down the monotonous valley leading to the Pré aux Auges. From there, a path that climbs diagonally up the slope allowed us to reach the pastures above the Métairie des Plânes. At this point, it is worth taking a small path to reach the Corne. This rocky outcrop, which is opposite Mont Soleil, offers a magnificent view of this part of the Vallon de Saint-Imier.

Route: Savagnières – Ilsach – Combe Grède – Chasseral – Métairie de Morat – Corne – Savagnières
Distance: 17km
Elévation gain: 950m
Duration: 5h30