We had a choice of hilly walks, longer and flatter or shorter and hillier. The decision was made, we would go long and then we met fellow Inntravellers at breakfast.
The couple from Illinois had completed both walks and thought the shorter was more interesting with less mosquitoes. Not having thought about mozzies, we made a mad dash to the local pharmacy to protect ourselves from the evil little critters. It gave us time to change our minds – the shorter walk for us!
It was well after 10 when we left and all the faffing had made us thirsty. We walked all of 500m before justifying stopping for a cuppa. Today’s walk was very rural and there would no more opportunities until we returned.
Finally, some time after 11, we set off and immediately started the ascent. It was hard work. We were expecting rain, instead it was warm and humid. Not ideal but better than walking in the wet, particularly as Kim had left her waterproof in the hotel.
Finally at the top of our climb, we walked along a ridge with views across both sides. A local lady who was tending her garden came to our assistance while we debated the route. Originally from England, she had lived in the area for 20 years and now managed her hillside home alone, separating from her husband shortly after arriving in the area. She has chosen to stay and loved the purity of the air and peaceful location.
We have seen many upside down town signs and she was able to enlighten us to the reason. Can you guess?
Our descent started through the hamlet of Sioniac before reaching the bank of the Dordogne river
One more photo opportunity presented when we sat opposite a small cemetery for lunch on the only two benches we had seen en route.
Four hours after leaving, we were back in Beaulieu. It’s been a leisurely start to our walking holiday. Tomorrow’s route looks tougher in both terrain and duration.
braysabroad 