The Somme Cycle Path

This was the last day of our trip on which we didn’t have to travel. The sun was shining once again, so we decided to cycle along the tow path of the canalised Somme, which runs alongside the River Somme and its marshes, all the way from its source to the sea, around 200 kilometres. We just did a short section from Péronne, where we’ve camped for a couple of nights.

The campsite has been very busy, with lots of families, and we were thankful to have a quiet shady pitch, tucked away from the snack bar, pool and playground. We expected the canal to also be busy with people walking and cycling; however, it was very quiet and peaceful, with the occasional cyclist or dog walker and lots of fishermen (and women).

After about 10 kilometres, we headed away from the canal to see a viewpoint at Vaux. It was quite a struggle uphill in the heat, especially as I was using my dad’s old bike, rather than my electric bike. We decided against bringing the electric bikes because we’ve been leaving the bikes at stations while we headed into Paris, and we didn’t want to risk our expensive e-bikes being stolen.

I was pleased with myself for getting to the top and not giving in and walking. We cooled off in the shade and enjoyed the view over the Somme and its marshes, while rewarding ourselves with pain au raisin and plenty of water.

We also wandered a short distance through the woods to see a small chapel before heading back downhill. It was lovely feeling the cooling breeze through my hair, as I freewheeled back to the valley. We past a chateau at a place called Suzanne before reaching the canal again.

At a bar on the canal, we had a beer but, sadly, the promised ice cream sundaes advertised on the sign outside weren’t available until later in the afternoon. Oh well… I made up for the disappointment with a sandwich and pistachio eclair in the next village! 😋

By now it was very hot and my bum was starting to hurt. We haven’t done many long bike rides recently and I didn’t have my padded cycling knickers on! 😬 We decided to turn back to the campsite, making our way back along the canal tow path, stopping in the shade at the pretty locks and bridges for some rest and water when we felt like it. 50 kilometres in total, and another enjoyable day.

Back at the campsite we showered, made dinner and watched some more of the Olympics on the laptop. Molly Moho is tidy and we’re pretty much ready to head to Dunkirk tomorrow. We’ll stay at an aire overnight and catch the ferry on Monday morning. I don’t really want to go home yet!