Flechinelle to Bruay la Buissiere

Geese, hares, horses

A good night’s sleep followed by a very refined breakfast with decent coffee.

Juice, fresh bread and local cheese rolled in flowers.

We were sad to leave our nice warm cottage but forced ourselves out into the wind and drizzle at 9.45 with a shortish day in prospect. Mindful that it is Sunday we didn't expect much to be open.

The weather forecast - note the windspeed!

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Today's date: 6.7.20

Weather: windy, rain in the morning, sunny later

Steps: 42,400

Distance: 30.48 km

Climbing: 305 m

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We followed the Via all morning. It typically ran between fields and was wet and exposed. Very little to see but we disturbed the occasional hare which were all called Marcello. The wind was super strong and the path quite overgrown.

We stopped for an early lunch at Auchy au Bois. We shared one plate as we were still full from breakfast but we were happy for the rest.

Similar paths and worse weather as we walked on to Amettes. It was by far the prettiest village today.

Amettes has a nice church which was open but with no stamps. Took a pic of another pilgrim to prove we were there.

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Left the via for the road as we were getting too wet. Walked through Auchel and then Marles les Mines which has a dramatic town hall. As you might guess, this was once a coal mining area and there are lots of waste tips and rows of identical company-built housing.

On to Bruay. We couldn't book the hotel we wanted so had to walk further than planned. This made for another long day and a lot of punishment for our poor wet feet. At least the sun came out so we could see some horses and geese as we arrived in Bruay.

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The Ibis Style

We are staying at a chain hotel attached to a retail park on the edge of town. It's nice, clean and modern with some very tasty bar food.