The Monts d’Arrée, the highest ground in inland Brittany, top out under 400 m — yet their landscape of moorland, peat bog and granite boulder fields feels far more rugged than the numbers suggest. An unusual kind of gravel terrain, a world away from the coastal image most people associate with the region.
A route through moorland and boulder fields
Starting from Huelgoat, known for its forest and its chaos of granite boulders, the route climbs gradually toward the ridgeline of the Monts d’Arrée via Roc’Trévezel, the most open viewpoint in the range. Expect around 45 km and 550 m of cumulative climbing, over terrain that alternates moorland tracks, forest trails and small ridge roads.
The landscape, often described as Brittany’s own “end of the world”, mixes peat bog, gorse and heather on the high ground, with far-reaching views on a clear day — as far as the Iroise Sea in the best conditions.
Getting the ride right
Brittany’s oceanic climate makes for changeable weather even in summer — a windproof jacket is worth carrying even if the morning forecast looks fine. Some moorland tracks get rutted after rain, which can make the going more technical than expected — a gravel tyre with some tread is better suited here than a semi-slick.
When to go
April to October, avoiding spells of prolonged rain that turn some moorland tracks muddy. Autumn brings good light over the moorland as the heather finishes flowering.
Good to know
Huelgoat, with its forest and lake, has a decent choice of accommodation for a village of its size, with convenient access to the wider Armorique Regional Nature Park that covers the whole range.
