Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025
Day: 24
From: Nogaro To: Aire sur L’Adour
Start Walking: 616am End Walking: 115pm
Time: 5h43m
Distance (Planned): 27.6km Distance (Garmin): 24.5km
Progress: 614.9/765km
Ascent: 274m Descent: 264m
Weather: Big fog to start and clear, and warm.
Stayed At: La Madison des Pelerins
General Comments:
• We were both a bit nervous about what the paths would be like today after yesterday afternoon’s downpours. The tracks were already very muddy and any drying out would have been completely undone by the rain. So, as we were leaving Nogaro, and about to head off on yet another forest path, The Husband suggested we stick on the road – it would connect with the GR65 in a couple of kilometres, we could avoid any mud and it was shorter! Who am I to argue with his greater wisdom and ability with Google maps?
• I am not really a fan of road walking and avoid it at all costs as it is just so hard on the knees and feet. There is a time and a place for it though and seeing it was early on a quiet Saturday morning, it was definitely the time.
• Today was pretty much a rinse and repeat of yesterday as far as scenery goes. The only real change is that the farms are getting bigger. Apparently there was a push between the 1960s to 1980s to amalgamate small holdings to achieve greater economies of scale and we are seeing the results today. Larger corporate farms with sizable irrigation infrastructure and machinery to match.
• The trees in France are simply magnificent. Yes, we have magnificent trees in Australia too, but they are sparse and less lush. In this country (and I’m sure in most of Europe) the trees seem to be bursting with abundant leaves and branches. They are stunning to look at and walk under. Another thing I have fallen in love with in this wonderful country.
• Apologies if my blog posts don’t appear like clock work over the next few days. We have some big days ahead of us and there may be little time or energy left to post at the end of each day. I will catch up though at some stage.
Top Tips:
• The villages are getting smaller and further apart. Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water to get you from Point A to B.
• Have a look at the app called Mapy. It’s a cracker for navigation.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
Your flower photos are beautiful, and I think sticking to the road was a good choice. I hope the next few days go well, and I am so impressed you manage to post so frequently as it is!
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Ta. I really should be wearing my glasses when I take photos so a fair bit of guess worknis involed!🙃 And I have just had a big feed of lentils for dinner so that should power my walk tomorrow! 🤣💨💨💨
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Glad you have a sensible husband xx
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One of us has to be!🤣🤣
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Good idea to use the road. I’m not in favour of huge farms as they lose the hedgerows which are important animal corridors. But the roses (and honeysuckle) are gorgeous. Bon chemin for the next few days. Catch up when you can.
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I was thinking that about the hedges too and I really don’t know what was there before, but they do seem to be preserving the trees and patches of forest. That’s a big problem in Australia – widespread clearing of trees for large scale farming. Merci beaucoup for your support.
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Wonderful sights along your stroll.
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Yes, even when there’s not much to see, it is still wonderful.
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It’s always a delight to see pretty and colourful flowers on a hike … and I am also glad to see that your walking day finished early (compared to other days).
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All the flowers really brightened my day – so many vibrant colours to contrast with all the green.
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