Southbourne beach, Dorset

Southbourne beach.

Rather wind swept today but normally a lovely spot for playing on the beach, eating ice cream and  enjoying tea and cakes. Well in spite of the windy weather we still managed the last one but went into town to the brewhouse pub as the bistro on the beach closes at 4pm.

Le Becquet,Cherbourg, France.

Le Becquet,Cherbourg for a lovely walk on the beach with our dog before boarding the ferry. Plenty of parking and a couple of small cafes. Toilets also. Just off the ring road on the way to the ferry terminal. 

 

Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, France

Rochefort, Charente-Maritime,

A great place for a historical stroll. The lovely port is similar to Greenwich in many ways. It was once the home of the Royal rope makers, ship building and a naval port. 

Saint-Hippolyte, Rochefort, France

Saint-Hippolyte, Rochefort, France.

A lovely stroll along the little road to the old suspension bridge that crosses the to Charente, Tonnay-Charente.
A good bike route.
Lots of Pyramid and lizard orchids along the verge edges and little egrets in the meadows.  

Le Balcon du Lauzet. St Pons de Thomieres

Le Balcon du Lauzet. St Pons de Thomieres. 2h- 2h30/7km Yellow. Fairly easy, with one climb.The walk starts in the centre of St Pons but we parked in the cemetery car park and began the walk there. Keep right on to the little track and it soon turns right onto a smaller one. Follow this up to the top of the walk through chestnut woods. It's not too much of a climb and is cool under the trees. When the top is reached you turn right onto the ridge. The path decends a little, be careful here as it's a little steep and rolly. The path comes out of the trees onto the flat once more with lovely views up to the mountains behind. If you decide to shorten your walk it's possible to do so at the next junction by turning right. Otherwise continue and the track opens up with more wonderful views and lots of flowers. The path bears to the right and then right again to descend towards town. Part way down is a view point to your left. Once in the town you can continue to follow the yellow markers down into the centre or turn right and this will bring you back to the old town wall where you can turn left to descend to the cemetery.