Our route through northern France and Belguim - click to enlarge
FRANCE
We only had two nights in France, at Bois d'Ardes, 20km up the road from Calais and at Hazebrouck. The weather for the two and bit days we were there was pretty wet and miserable. We managed to get hopelessly lost trying to get through Lille and it was late afternoon before we found the road to Tournai. As we were struggling around Lille it started to rain and, bang on cue, we got our first puncture. It was completely dark by the time we reached Tournai.
Cyclability
B
Easy to avoid the busy roads. Reasonably considerate motorists.
Cake rating
B
Plentiful.
Accommodation
B
The two Chamber d'Hotes we stayed in were good.
BELGIUM
Rowena leaving Namur Youth Hostel
We liked:
The ultra modern Youth Hostel at Mons and the huge radiators in the one at Namur
Pedalling beside the River Meuse, on the most beautiful still, sunny frosty morning.
Getting off the roads and onto the canal paths
The look of incredulity on the owner's face when we turned up to camp at her site at Tennerville on a cold, wet March evening
Belgium beer
Beside the River Meuse
We didn't like:
Getting kicked off our first wild campsite near Pessoux by a stroppy farmer (the only time on the entire trip this happened)
Cycling past the blast furnaces and refineries of Charleroi at dusk in the pouring rain (a scene straight out of Blade Runner)
Rowena losing her wedding ring on the way to Bastogne - slipped off her finger, due to her weight loss in the first week.
Our first campsite of the trip, in a Belgian wood. It was bl**dy freezing - one of the coldest nights of the trip.
Cyclability
B+
Not much fun on the main roads, but the canal and river paths are great.
Cake rating
B
Lots of them and nicely solid.
Accommodation
B
The two Youth Hostels we stayed in were very good, probably the best of the trip. The one offficial campsite we stayed in was also good. Wild camping was a bit tricky. Don't bother looking for budget accommodation in Charleroi.