The Auvergne Volcanoes -'A Grande Randonnee'

Days 1 and 2. Outbound to Mont Dore

Fly to Clermont-Ferrand and transfer by train to Mont Dore, an old spa-town. You can ride out of the valley on a quaint 100 year old funicular railway; take the modern telepherique, or just walk. Splendid views of extinct volcanoes and of your ultimate destination, the Cantal, await you. The path leads you over the rocky snow- capped Sancy range on a grassy trail to the tiny ski- resort of Super Besse.

Day 3. Lac Pavin

The route heads up to a high grassy plateau dotted with occasional pinewoods. Lac Pavin is a typical crater-lake, with sheer wooded sides. Herds of dark brown Salers cattle graze here, their milk used to produce the excellent regional cheeses. Your destination is the little hill-town of Egliseneuve d'Entraygues.

Days 4 to 6. Lugarde and Le Claux

The route descends into pretty winding valleys amongst the wooded hills. The variety of Romanesque churches here is a never-ending delight. Cross a high, verdant pastureland where there are enticing views of the approaching Cantal range. A much needed rest day is taken in Le Claux, where there are opportunities for further exploration on foot, hiring a bike, horse riding or even hang-gliding. Of course you may just want to enjoy a swim in the hotel pool or sit in the garden and rest those weary legs.

Days 7 and 8. Puy Mary and Murat

Heading into higher mountains you reach the Breche de Roland, a cleft in the hillside that requires some exciting scrambling (an optional lower path avoids this). The solidified central core of the volcano, the Puy Griou, is now visible. Continue climbing to join the wonderfully named Teton de Venus circuit on the old crater of the Bec de l'Aigle. Descend down into the picturesque, winding streets of Murat with its many 15th and 16th century houses.

Day 9. Homeward

Return by rail to Clermont-Ferrand and fly back to the UK.