Without doubt Walking, Cycling and Running are popular activities for locals and those on vacation in France particularly in the forrests in this area.
There are many routes which are marked clearly on the tracks by wooden posts with Yellow caps and additionally indicate the direction you should turn.
These posts and the markings on them are set up for moving in a clockwise direction, as advised one day, by workmen repairing them.
There a number of walking routes around Urval, one of which passes through Pessel alongside the Gites. See photo of routes below.
This is from the board alongside the Mairie. Different paper versions are available from the Tourist Offices but there may be a small charge. From those we have seen they are not as good as the detail given in this Photo.
There are also apps available showing these routes, however, there can be gaps in the detailed routes.
Cycling Times:
It must be noted that these tracks are unpaved for most of their length and to cycle on these, a Mountain Bike is essential.
Cycling on the paved roads is tempered by the elevation changes and the following are timings taken by a couple in their 30’s.
Cycling Times on paved roads for some local destinations to/from Domaine de Pessel, elevation 195 m. Elevation of the Dordogne near Soirac en Perigord 50 m approx
Le Buisson de Cadouin: To – 45 minutes From – 75 minutes
Siorac en Perigord: To – 25 minutes From – 40 minutes
Cadouin: To – 30 minutes From – 40 minutes
The differential times reflect the changes in elevation along the route to/from Pessel.
This photograph is of the information board next to Urval Mairie.
It covers the large area centred around Cadouin and Le Buisson and includes an enlarged map of the Urval area.
visorando from Apple appstore devices is very good at showing detailed routes and the route which passes through Pessel.
It is one of the best we have found for its completeness, clarity and accuracy.
Apple gives it a 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating from 81 reviews.
Below is a different map of the route which passes through Pessel, which is on the left of the image, Urval is at the top of the image.
Maps are also available from the local Tourist Offices, including Soirac, which are available for purchase.