Day 3 Arras to Laon (via Peronne)
Trip Start
Apr 02, 2008
1
5
47
Trip End
Jul 20, 2008
Laon,
France
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Distance: 150km
Best bit: the early morning sun in my face for three solid hours
Worst bit: misreading map and ending up in middle of a muddy forest!
I cleverly decided to follow the contours more closely today and although the mileage was higher than yesterday it did not feel quite as gruelling. The land was intensive arable with long rolling hills and slow gentle climbs. Blue skies until about 2pm. At one point my route meandered alongside the Canal du Nord, but there was no decent canal path so needed to stick to the road (photo) . I was not tempted to explore any cemeteries despite their great frequency - too sombre for a holiday. Ate my lunch on some church steps at Allaines
Canal at Moislans
. Passed through so many villages that seemed so deserted. Towards the end of the day I took a chance on a track and ended up on a very rough woodland path. Kept thinking should I turn back. Surprised a couple of men logging. They gawped at me like I was a nutter. Must have been my city tires and panniers crashing through all that mud and rock. I spotted the 5 gothic spires at Laon from 20km away. The cathedral is on a high hill surrounded by flat and the location is simply awe inspiring. Like something out of Tolkein: Hotel owner is a super chap and has let me use his laptop while he has gone to the pub. Internet access at last!
(geek:technical bit: arras, D5 Croiselles (horrid busy road), Lagnicourt and Hermies, D19 Bertincourt, D18 Etricourt,D43 Allaines, Peronne, Flamincourt, Doingt D199 Roisel, D121 Vermand, Attilly, Etrelliers, Seracourt, Essigny, Benay, Moi, Brissy, Achery, Anguilcourt (due to road closure), Danizy, Versigny, woodlank track muddy, Vivaise, Besny, Laon:)
