Day 21 – Flers to Ouistreham – 60 miles

So another grey day dawned, again with the threat of rain hanging over us. For me it was to be my final day in France, Tim was still undecided.

The plan was main roads until Pont – d’Ouilly, then pick up the Velofrancette which we assumed ran along the flattish riverside.

As usual first it drizzled and then it poured down. We found an Intermarche supermarket where we could buy some breakfast and snacks and waited, but the rain didn’t stop. We took the chance to book the ferry for tonight, Tim having decided to come back via Portsmouth. Then on and upwards we ploughed, it is certainly hilly in Normandy. Eventually we hit Pont d’Ouilly and the Velofrancette, only to find it ran on minor roads through the Suisse Normande. This provided some of the toughest hills we had done.

But also great views as the rain cleared

After grinding up a few more hills, we suddenly found ourselves on a Voie Verte, in this case a converted railway track that ran almost the whole way to Caen.

Complete with handy benches, some with taps for fresh water.

At one point we came across a “Route Barre” sign, as with every other time we have found one on this trip, we ignored it. Surprising the workmen eating their lunch, we headed off down some newly laid track, feeling very pleased with ourselves !Of course, all good things come to an end. After following it for quite some time, we had to retrace our steps part of the way as the way really was closed. After this short detour, it was back on the track all the way to the outskirts of Caen, where we stopped for a brew and final Pain au Chocolat.

Then on through the centre of Caen

And out along the canal towards Ouistreham .

We reached Pegasus Bridge, which was raised in salute to us, pausing to look at the first house liberated after D-Day, but not staying long enough to buy any of the souvenirs on offer.