Day 45 - Besancon to Ornans

It was a very challenging 38.5 km today. There was a very steep ascent out of Besancon, followed by a lot of climbing (650m, my record so far). The day ended with one extremely steep descent and then a very gentle descent of around 7.5 km into Ornans via an old train line. I even got to walk through an old train tunnel and cross over a beautiful stone bridge! The Path today was mostly through forest, really lovely, and more like an Australian track with rocks and tree roots all through it. Dark clouds appeared in the afternoon, with thunder, and I was treated with a sun shower of about 10 minutes. I heard a new sound today: cows wearing bells! Also, the countryside is more wild looking here, I'm seeing something that looks like an escarpment right outside my hotel. P.S. I should have mentioned that I met a British man today, Howard, who's doing the Via Francigena in reverse. He was a lovely fellow and says he gets a lot of abuse for being British. That has not been my experience - even today on the track, a lovely French family were so friendly and interested in what I am doing.Read more