Breakfast in the gite was great: good coffee, orange juice, Danish pastry and good fresh French bread. So I left Aubrac fully replenished in the mists of early morning. They were not as dense as the evening before, but still present. Aubrac is at 1307 metres above sea level and sitting on the edge of the plateau, so I expect that mist is a regular event there. There was just enough hint of sunshine to say that this would eventually be a clear day.
The trail descends gradually at first. It comes down off the plateau into woodland.
There were parts of the trail that were steep, and needed carful walking on the wet ground, but I made it safely to St. Chely d’Aubrac. It was 8 kilometers along the way and I had descended to 808 metres. With the cafes open, it was time to have a coffee. From there, the trail heads uphill at first, giving good views of the small town.
The trail was a mixture of forest track and roads, with views over the countryside
On reaching the little village of l’Estrade, there was a surprise in store. A local group had organised a refreshment table in a barn. It was based on an honour system. You help yourself to a coffee or orange juice, and you put one Euro in the box. So there was another short break there, and then back on the trail again. The train continues to descend. After another five kilometers or so, it was below 500 metres at a truly ancient bridge in the forest, I reckon about 470 metres based on the map. And then there was an ascent back up to the village of Roziere and beyond.
A little way past Roziere, another enterprising local was selling cold beer, which was welcome. The day was warm now in the mid-afternoon sunshine, and I was glad of the refreshments.
From there it was downhill into the town of St. Come d’Olt. This is a relatively large town, and a good place to take a proper rest on the way. It is picturesque in its own way, with old buildings and narrow streets.
From St. Come, the trail crosses the river Lot and turns westwards. There was a choice of routes: one going back into the hills and reaching Estalion by a circuitous route, while the other follows the river directly towards town and my destination for the day. Estalion is another substantial town, with an ancient bridge across the river. I stopped at the local hotel which also has a good restaurant. But then again, good restaurants are in the majority in France.
Today was one of the longer days: 28 kilometers or so. The downhill parts were challenging for the knees, but I am feeling good and ready to go on.
And the step count was 43,777.
Walkingman 