All walks are graded according to the mixture of country lane and footpath content and the number of points of interest on the walk. Walks in general are well waymarked with colour codes painted on trees and signs. Where these are not marked then our guides give sufficient detail to ensure that you do not get too lost, however we always recommend taking a copy of the local Blue Series map with you.

At Les Hirondelles cottages we have official maps and guides detailing over 50 walks of varying distances in the immediate vicinity, some starting literally on the doorstep. All the guides and maps are there for your use during your visit, or alternatively they can be purchased at the tourist offices in the immediate area for around 4 Euros. Our own database of completed walks which you will find on this site is small but ever growing - all are written either by our guests or ourselves from first hand knowledge of the walk and, therefore, provide much more detail than the official guides.

Within the Limousin region there are over 1800 km. of recognised footpaths and 350km. of bridleways, enough for the most demanding rambler. The Creuse region (in particular the Monts d'Ambazac which is the location of Les Hirondelles cottages) is rugged, wild, sparsely populated, and largely forested. It provides a variety of walks from short strolls to inter- regional walks which span hundreds of kilometres. Our own guides cover walks up to around 25km. and an area within 30 minutes drive of the cottages - most of the walks are from 8 to 15 km. The Monts d'Ambazac rise to around 700 metres, Les Hirondelles itself is at an altitude of 500 metres, so watch out if you are walking in full sun in midsummer. Fortunately the forest canopy provides much needed respite during very hot conditions.