Walk
Circuit du canal et de la rigole d’Hilvern
Saint-Gonnery · Morbihan
An easy 14 km loop from Saint-Gonnery: the Hilvern channel, the Branguily forest and the lock flights of the Nantes to Brest canal.
- Suggested time
- 3 h 30
- Type of place
- Walking loop · Nantes-Brest canal
- Atmosphere
- A channel, forest and towpaths.
- Getting there
- Saint-Gonnery (Morbihan)
The route
Loop: the route returns to its starting point. Route: Pontivy Communauté, Licence Ouverte 2.0.
Download the GPS trackGPX file, to open in a walking app (Komoot, OsmAnd, Garmin Connect, iPhiGéNie…).
Who this place suits
- With family
- 7/10
- As a couple
- 7/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 8/10
- With a dog
- 8/10
- Reduced mobility
- 3/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The Hilvern channel grew out of an old dream, that of inland navigation. More than 400 people dug it between 1828 and 1838 to supply the Nantes to Brest canal with water all year round. This diversion channel from the Oust winds for 64 km between Bosméléac and Saint-Gonnery, with a steady gradient of 0.3 mm per metre. The trail crosses the Branguily forest, 450 hectares of oak and pine woods where Saint Gonnery is said to have set up his hermitage, then follows the Nantes to Brest canal and its lock flights; the canal was decided by Napoleon in 1806 and opened to boats in 1842. The loop is 14 km long; allow about 3 h 30 of walking. The stated level is easy. Start: the lake in Saint-Gonnery. The official route, published by Pontivy Communauté, is shown on the map and can be downloaded as a GPX file to follow on your phone. The route is listed in the département’s official walking route plan (PDIPR).
What you will see
- 14 km, about 3 h 30
- Level: easy
- Loop: back to the starting point
- Hilvern channel
- Branguily forest
- Lock flights on the Nantes to Brest canal
Tips on the spot
- Start: the lake in Saint-Gonnery.
- The GPX track can be downloaded from the map: handy for staying on the right path at junctions.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk?
14 km, or about 3 h 30 of walking.
Where does it start?
Plan d’eau de Saint-Gonnery. The route comes back to its starting point.
Source: Pontivy Communauté, Licence Ouverte 2.0, via GeoBretagne.
Stay in Saint-Gonnery
Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.
Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Read in the journal
- ChristmasWhat to do in Morbihan during the Christmas holidaysChristmas in Vannes, the Pont-Scorff light trail, Rochefort-en-Terre lit up and Carnac in winter: our ideas for the 2026 Christmas holidays in Morbihan.
- SeasonWhat to do in Morbihan during the All Saints’ holidaysThe Carnac alignments open to walk among, the Gulf of Morbihan, castles, the wild coast and Lorient: our ideas for All Saints’ 2026 in Morbihan.
- Region guideWhat to do in the Gulf of MorbihanThe Île aux Moines, the Île d’Arz, the Gavrinis cairn, Port-Navalo, Locmariaquer, Vannes and Suscinio: the guide to visiting the Gulf of Morbihan, its islands and its shores.
Traveller reviews
Nobody has reviewed this place yet.