Loubressac

and again!, a photo by rajmarshall on Flickr.

Sunrise from the Relais de Castelnau in Loubressac - I thought I ought to add this photo as the view at breakfast was so memorable. One of the prettiest villages in France - according to a guide book and I wouldn't disagree!

Experimental Nut Station..

Experimental Nut Station.., a photo by rajmarshall on Flickr.

Day 4 - not the longest walk but there was a sting in the tail! After a wonderful sunrise viewed from the hotel terrace (see the album for the photos!) we headed for Creysse. Again through the woods with a stop at a take off point for hang gliders with lovely views over the Dordogne - the spot was off the route so kudos to Inntravel for highlighting it. Then down to cross the river at Gluges and at this point we thought a drink and a stop would be good. Unfortunately none of the refreshment stops were open so we continued. A quick search of the village revealed a Place Edith Piaf without even a bar or cafe! There's a good reason for the square being named in her honour.

Then came the hard part of the day - first of all a gentle wander along the road beneath huge cliffs - but then the road started to ascend (fortunately the cliffs became less high) - but it was a struggle! On getting into Creysse we reached this experimental nut station - there are lots of walnuts in the Dordogne and at the time we went we were perpetually crushing the shells under our feet. The Auberge de l'Ile is wonderfully situated - close to the river and in the midst of a lovely village.

Gouffre de Padirac

Gouffre de Padirac, a photo by rajmarshall on Flickr.

Day 4 was (nominally) a rest day, so we did one of the recommended walks to the Gouffre de Padirac and a trip by boat through the cave - very worthwhile. The gouffre is very busy in high season, in October it was quiet though the cafes afterwards were mostly closed. On the way to the Gouffre you pass this memorial to Helène Bimberzy (Bomberzy?) martyred in 1844 - one wonders as to the circumstances (web searching hasn't, so far, helped - ah it is Bombezy - there's a mention here, but no help as to the background)! After the walk back to Loubressac, I enjoyed walking round the village and watching the sunset over the hiils.

Castelnau

DSCF9204, a photo by rajmarshall on Flickr.

Day 3 was the longest walk but there were a number of highlights, walking though the Glanes vineyards, the impressive chateau of Castelnau and the views and climb up to Loubressac. Route finding was straightforward and the views of Castelnau as it appeared through the trees was unforgettable! In Loubressac we stayed at the Relais de Castelnau - modern hotel but we thought there was a certain lack of attention to detail. The views from the terrace though were wonderful!