Which paths are you planning to walk in 2026?
This year I’m hoping to walk all 2,000km across France, starting in Menton and finishing at Cap de la Hague, the most northerly point on the Cotentin peninsula. My walk will take me on some of the great long distance footpaths of France including the GR653 along the shores of the Cote d’Azur, across the Massif Central on the GR4 and from Tours to Mont-Saint-Michel on an ancient pilgrim route, Le Grand Chemin Montois.
How far do you plan to walk each day?
I plan to average 20 miles a day with the longest day being 26 miles and the shortest, 12 miles. I don’t plan to take any rest days during the walks.
How much weight will you carry?
I plan to keep my backpack to around 5-6kg. With 2 litres of water, this will increase to 7-8kg. I’ll be taking a tent, sleeping mat and bag.
What tent will you use?
I’ll use a Terra Nova Laser Competition 1 tent. I don’t anticipate having to use it much but it only ways 1.29kg and I’ll be taking it as an emergency backstop, just in case I can’t occasionally find any where to stay for the night.
What camera will you use?
I plan to use my smart phone rather than take a stand alone camera and an iPad. The amount of time I’ll be spending camping means that it won’t really be feasible to edit and upload photos to my blog en route.
Where will you stay?
I’ll mainly be staying in gites d’etape and with pilgrim host families on the pilgrim route between Tours and Mont-Saint-Michel. Where no accommodation is available,I’ll wild camp.
How much will it cost?
I’m aiming to spend €30 a day so can hopefully keep the cost of the walk to around €2,000 including the cost of transport.
What are your biggest concerns?
The weather is always my biggest concern! I’ve yet to discover wet weather gear that provides complete protection against the rain! If you’ve got any suggestions, feel free to let me know!
Pilgrim's Progress - Long Distance Walks in Europe and the UK 