Visiting the Creux de Van and spending time with Bouquetins.

Images I saw of the Creux de Van made me want to visit the location in person. Yesterday despite the mediocre weather I went there. From Neuchatel you drive towards Noiraigue. Free parking is available. For the first hour you are walking up a steep winding path. A few trees have fallen, stones and mud are also present until you reach the top of the cliff. From there you see a glimpse of the cliff and views to come. As I stood there I saw a solitary Bouquetin on the rocks. From there I went right and walked along the cliff. On one side I had green grass and a farm and on the other side I had a steep cliff. I walked along and came to an outcrop. From here you could see the full cliff face. I walked around the arc until I came across a herd of Bouquetins. They were right in my path. I took several pictures before heading back down the other side. I came across a wooden hut and table where people can have a snack. As you walk through the woods you get towards the end of the Gorge De L’Areuse. It was full of water due to the recent rains. By this point I had already walked 10km so I continued back towards the car. [caption id=“attachment_2260” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]This is the path you take to get up to the top of the Creux de Van This is the path you take to get up to the top of the Creux de Van[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2259” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]One of the first views as you emerge from the woods and see the landscape open up One of the first views as you emerge from the woods and see the landscape open up[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2258” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]A nice Valley A nice Valley[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2257” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]More landscape More landscape[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2256” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]Looking away from the cliffs you see the woods. Looking away from the cliffs you see the woods.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2255” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]If you look down from this point you will see a long drop If you look down from this point you will see a long drop[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2254” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]I liked the quality of light here. I liked the quality of light here.[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2253” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]With Spring coming back all the trees are becoming green once again With Spring coming back all the trees are becoming green once again[/caption] Another view of the valley [caption id=“attachment_2251” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]A herd of Bouquetins were playing A herd of Bouquetins were playing[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2250” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]When I arrived they were standing by the grass and slowly made their way towards the cliff When I arrived they were standing by the grass and slowly made their way towards the cliff[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2249” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]Just like when we were children they are playing on the wall Just like when we were children they are playing on the wall[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2248” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]Just like when we were children they are playing on the wall Just like when we were children they are playing on the wall[/caption] IMG_7243 [caption id=“attachment_2246” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]A bouquetin with the Creux de Van in the background A bouquetin with the Creux de Van in the background[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2245” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]A bouquetin with the Graux de Van in the background A bouquetin with the Graux de Van in the background[/caption] Woods, Bouquetin and cliff [caption id=“attachment_2243” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]Nice Landscape and nice view Nice Landscape and nice view[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2242” align=“aligncenter” width=“660”]The Creux De Van The Creux De Van[/caption] IMG_7298 [caption id=“attachment_2240” align=“aligncenter” width=“483”]This is a physical 14km walk . This is a physical 14km walk .[/caption]