We met Suzanne on the bridge and decided to follow the river rather than take the route via the castle. The walk was very pleasant but had lots of stiff ups and when we arrived in Estaing we were glad to take a rest with coffees and cool drinks. Karen decided to mind the bags while we did a quick explore. This is one of the most beautiful towns in France. 
It seemed like a fairytale place. We passed these two gorgeous friendly dogs on the way out. I wanted to give them each a hug because they so wanted to follow us.
After leaving Estaing we walked beside a lake which was the first hydroelectricy system developed after the First World War. The quiet, muddy lake seemed such a change from the rushing river.
Then we started to climb and climb until we decided a lunch stop was required. Then it was climbing in earnest. We literally climbed up out of the valley to the ridge ( about 500 metres up).
Suzanne decided she had had enough and stopped at a Gite because she was tired but we were booked into a camping place and needed to push on. It was another down then up and finally about 4:30pm we arrived at Bellevue camping ground, just in time to pitch our tents before a downpour.
Some other pilgrims clapped us as we arrived. We had all done a tough day. One young guy has a hammock slung between trees. Karen and I saw him on the way out of Lasbros hanging in the trees!
The last few kilometres were a bit fraught. Andy had got a real walking rhythm and leapt ahead. I had also got ahead of Karen and Peter. I rang them to check they were okay and eventually we all reconnected at the edge of town. It was another small up to the camping ground!
Funny how you compare places, but this area reminds me of the hinterland behind Byron Bay. It is lush and green and rolling hills.
Internet not so great. So that is all tonight.
fleetfootkath 
Am glad you seem to be out of the Gail belt but then there is the rain. I was in the Loire Valley (maybe in the mid 1980/?) on a driving and eating holiday and remember the very changeable weather. And being pelted by hailstones outside Azay le Rideau. Admire your stamina.
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Ah you use your phone to keep in touch, of course, I had not realised until these last pages. Fabulous places, what terrific photos. Thank you again for your walking story and images. All my love cousin Barbara
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