Golden Sands to Pléneuf Val André – A Memorable March

The weather forecast had deteriorated further and we were due to be hit in the morning, and throughout the day, by stormy downpours. Our night’s sleep hadn’t been great as the tents were pitched on a slope and we’d both slid down as the previous night’s showers hit the canvas with a loud impact. But after a late breakfast of sliced bread and apricot jam we hit the track. Mercifully the sun was shining.

We felt that we were well in the firing line as black clouds dropped rain either side of us all day, leaving us in a corridor of sun and light cloud. We expected to be soaked and ended up with red faces. Literally!

It was also a great day for views – again.

The first town we came to was Erquy, where we had coffee outside a cafe in the sun, then bought a baguette, pate and a jar of gherkins and ate them on the end of the prom. 

The clouds kept looking ominous, but we escaped! 

After Erquy we followed the coastal path down to Pléneuf Val André. In parts it was domesticated.

And in parts it was wild.

In the end, there are so many beautiful, empty and inviting beaches and bays that you become almost to accept it as the norm. 

Clean as well. No plastic on them. Eventually we arrived at Pléneuf and Tone warned me that the next road name would make me snigger like a schoolboy, happy to oblige. Pronounced ‘rude prat’. 

We got the tent and tarp up on another decent site and in a sheltered spot. 

This is what it’s like inside Wilson.

Yes, it’s open to wild animals, insects and spiders but generally I haven’t seen many. Although in a couple of places I’ve woken up during the night with my head covered in slugs when it’s been raining. Not nice. But that’s extreme and mostly just breathe deeply and enjoy nature around you.

We got showered and then walked down to the front looking for a shop to buy dinner. Not a one. Great beach though.

And we ended up having mussels and chips again, with Britanny cider. A great day.

Night night.