Rutted track

Marker 1Deep ruts cut into the surface of what seems to be one of the oldest communication routes in the Cévennes. They are caused by the iron-bound wheels of animal-drawn carts wearing down the schist. The constant spacing of the ruts, about 1.45m apart; the high-up location of the track above any springs (thus avoiding the need to build bridges); and its fairly straight course confirm that this is an ancient road. There are blocks of quartz in the ruts that have resisted wear, proving that the ruts were not hewn. But it is possible that a mini-rut was deliberately cut into the rock to act as a rail, so as to prevent vehicles from swerving. To reduce the depth of the ruts, they may have been levelled with backfill.