In my 70th year, I'm walking 820+ kilometers from Le Puy-en-Velay in France to Pamplona in Spain, following the ancient GR65 pilgrimage route. Over the past few years Megan and I have made some substantial walks - including from the north to south of Sicily, over the Pyranees and most recently 220km along the Rhine. This trip is a new level, and Megan decided about half would be fine for her. This 46-day journey is structured in three acts, each with its own character and purpose.
Beyond the personal challenge, this walk supports Zephyr Education, helping children affected by domestic violence return to school with the supplies and dignity they deserve.
Starting in Le Puy-en-Velay, Megan joins me for the first two weeks. This is reputed to be the toughest part of the walk with some significant climbs and descents with highlights including the landscapes of Auvergne, the medieval village of Conques, and into the Lot Valley.
David and Megan on the Normandy coast — another adventure before the Camino
Our three children, Mike - 42, Suzi - 40 and Sally - 35 have managed to get leave passes from family and business commitments, for a week of walking through the Quercy region. Six days of family bonding and fun on the trail, exploring medieval villages, crossing rivers, and sharing some special time together before they return to their respective homes. Megan returns via Barcelona.
The family on a previous holiday — a somewhat less active itinerary than what awaits them on the Camino
This will be a challenging period without Megan to initiate connections with others on the trail. Plenty of time for reflection along the trail through Gascony into the Basque country. The path leads through rolling hills, past Armagnac vineyards, over the Pyrenees, and finally into Spain, ending in Pamplona after 820 kilometers (plus an unspecified amount for getting lost on the way!!).
The lone pilgrim — walking through wildflowers on a previous trip
Send a private message to David. He'll respond when he can from the trail!
Every step supports children affected by domestic violence
Established in 2013, Zephyr Education helps children at domestic violence shelters get back to school by supplying everything they need — uniforms, shoes, school bags, textbooks, stationery, and even laptops. My involvement as a supporter, volunteer and now Director, started around 2015.
This walk is partly a fundraising effort for Zephyr, with a goal of $50,000. Every donation goes directly to a child in need — virtually no overhead. David will share fundraising progress updates with followers during the walk.
🎯 Fundraising goal: $50,000
Sign up to stay in touch and follow the fundraising journey.
💡 When donating: please add "Camino" to your donation reference, then send David a quick message with the amount — so he can thank you personally and track progress towards the $50,000 goal.
Learn More About ZephyrAlthough it's a long read, this letter provides excellent context for the impact Zephyr Education has on so many lives.
📖 Read the full storyOnce the walk begins on 3 June 2026, follow David's real-time GPS progress, daily journal entries and photos — all updated from the road via Polarsteps.
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Start of the pilgrimage. Famous for its cathedral (UNESCO), volcanic rock formations, and old town.
Scenic climb out of Le Puy, panoramic views, pass through Bains and St-Christophe-sur-Dolaison.
Walk through forests and pastures, see the "Beast of Gévaudan" statue, medieval tower in Saugues.
Cross the Margeride plateau, remote landscapes, stay at historic Domaine du Sauvage (former Templar site).
Enter Aubrac region, rolling hills, Romanesque church, picturesque village square.
Walk through Aubrac plateau, stone villages, Romanesque church in Nasbinals.
Descend into the Lot valley, cross the "Pont des Pèlerins" (UNESCO), medieval village.
Walk along the Lot river, visit the twisted spire church, one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France."
Riverside walk, visit Château d'Estaing, medieval bridge, charming old town.
Take the GR6 near Estaing at Fonteilles - directions: https://l-arche-d-yvann.fr/localisation.php?lang=en
203 km to here - one of the most beautiful villages on the entire Camino route.
Explore Conques' abbey, cloisters, and medieval architecture. One of the most significant stops on the Camino.
Cross the Dourdou river, rural landscapes, small villages, Romanesque church in Livinhac.
Walk through Causse hills, visit Figeac's medieval center and Champollion Museum (Rosetta Stone).
Quiet rural stage, pass dolmens and stone walls, peaceful countryside.
Walk along the Lot river, visit Cajarc's riverside promenade and historic center.
🌟 Children join! Limestone plateaus, prehistoric dolmens, traditional "cazelles" (stone huts).
Cross Quercy Blanc, pass through small hamlets, tranquil rural scenery.
Enter Cahors via the iconic Pont Valentré (UNESCO), visit the cathedral and medieval quarter.
Walk through vineyards and fields, visit the 12th-century church in Lascabanes.
Rolling countryside, arrive at Lauzerte (bastide town, "Plus Beaux Villages"), medieval square.
🌟 End of family week! Visit Moissac's Abbey of Saint-Pierre (UNESCO), famous cloisters, walk along the Canal de Garonne. 427km total (121km for children).
Explore Moissac's abbey, cloisters, and riverside. Children depart from train station.
Walk through sunflower fields, visit Auvillar's circular market hall and clock tower.
Rural landscapes, pass through Castet-Arrouy, Miradoux's old town.
Visit Lectoure's cathedral, ramparts, and thermal spa.
See the Collegiate Church of La Romieu (UNESCO), famous for its cat legends and gardens.
Walk through vineyards, visit Condom's cathedral and Armagnac museum.
Explore Condom's old town and riverside.
Bastide village, medieval arcades, panoramic views over the Gers countryside.
Gallo-Roman archaeological site, Eauze cathedral, Armagnac capital.
Walk through vineyards, visit Nogaro's Romanesque church and motorsport circuit.
Visit Aire's cathedral, old bridge, and riverside promenade.
Rural Gascony, pass through small villages, peaceful countryside.
Quiet stage, rolling farmland, traditional Béarnais villages.
Enter Béarn region, visit Arthez's church and enjoy Pyrenean views.
Visit Sauvelade's Cistercian abbey, walk through forests and meadows.
Fortified town on the Gave d'Oloron river.
Cross rolling hills, visit Aroue's Romanesque church, Basque country begins.
Historic pilgrim crossroads, Basque houses, rural scenery.
Gateway to Spain, explore the citadel, old town, and pilgrim office.
Explore Saint-Jean's ramparts, shops, and Basque cuisine. Prepare for Pyrenees crossing.
🇪🇸 Begin Pyrenees crossing, mountain scenery, Basque villages.
Cross into Spain, visit Roncesvalles' collegiate church and pilgrim monuments.
Walk through beech forests, cross the medieval "Puente de la Rabia" bridge in Zubiri.
🎯 Final destination! Arrive in Pamplona, visit the cathedral, old town, and walk the route of the famous San Fermín festival.