Brec d'Utelle

Peak: Brec d'Utelle (1604m)
Area: Vesubie, Provence
This beautiful limestone peak represents something of a transition between the Provencal limestone hills to the south-west and the Maritime Alps further north. It is supremely runnable, offers incredible views as a result of that transitional location, and is poised directly above the exquisite perched village of Utelle. Rather surprising then that I'd never been up here before, but my proposed family day higher up the valley in my favourite St Martin Vesubie was vetoed by the democratic collective family unit. So we drove up the hairpins to Utelle as a shorter alternative. E and K came some of the way up the path joining the GR5, then I ran the rest. At first, this is steep as the path zig-zags up the hillside through woodland to gain height. It then levels off for superb running with views of Castel Gineste (reminiscent of Wyoming's Devils Tower) and the Maritime Alps ahead. Stunning clarity of light. All very runnable, so I quickly reached an obvious col on the ridge. From here, the route passes over to the other (western) side, giving new views of Lachens, Mounier and the peaks I've climbed above Castellane - Robion, Bernard etc. Better still, the onward path is cut into the side of the mountain - reminding me of the amazing Chemin d'Energie in Haute Tinee. As a result, the onward run was spectacular, a gently rising path leading to the spur of the Crete de 'Albarea. It then enters cool woods before another pronounced col below the Tete d'Escandolier. Steep zigzags, very hot work, lead to the ridge crest near the Petit Brec. I then left the GR5 for the surprise final scramble to the summit. This takes a short ridge to an initially intimidating looking spire of limestone. In reality, a delightful scrambling ascent weaves around taking optional pitches up to one or two unavoidable but easy chimneys. A short avoidable knife edge leads to a final scramble to the summit. Brilliant views of the Mercantour: Argentera, St Robert, Gelas, Ponset, Neiglier, Capalet and Bego the most notable peaks, all of which I have done (except Neiglier). The Med glistening silver to the south and the purple limestone of the Castellane peaks - ridge after ridge leading to Verdon west. I was up in a pleasing 54 minutes of running, but had very little time to get down to meet the family by the water fountain in Utelle's square by 12.20. So I pelted down the slopes, enjoying more unparalleled mountain running to get back in time for a huge lunch of local produce in the fantastic village restaurant. Thus fortified, I had just enough energy to head to Vence for a quick bike ride up into the clues of Haute Provence.