We set off in good time at about 8:15am. It felt as though it might be going to rain, but it didn’t, instead the cloud cover kept the day cool for longer.
Our sixth day on the road was a true epic. We tracked a gorgeous but demanding route southward from the riversides of L’Isle-Jourdain all the way into the historic heart of Brantôme en Périgord.
We passed through rolling country lanes with sneaky, punchy climbs.
By late morning, the weather shifted. The cloud cover broke, and the heat rolled in fast, turning the open country roads into a sun-baked kiln.
As the mercury climbed, so did the elevation. The route threw a series of long, exposed climbs and undulating false flats at us. Without much shade to hide under, every hill became a battle against both gravity and the rising temperature.
We were running out of water and ended up being helped out by two lovely French ladies.
I apologised to my backside for the length of time in the saddle!
Dropping down into the lush, shaded valleys of the Dordogne was a relief. Rolling across the old stone bridges into Brantôme—often called the “Venice of the Périgord” was a reward for our labours.
By the time we got back I struggled to write the blog (hence delay)!
Our accommodation is: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/trips/v1/1658129703117908230/ro/RESERVATION2_CHECKIN/HMSP82SMXM
I have created a GiveWheel page to support my chosen charities – Sussex Cancer Fund and Cancer United. If you would like to help me reach my target of £2,000, please visit https://gvwhl.com/QV7EB