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. 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, my wife Megan joins me for the first two weeks. Together we'll walk through the volcanic landscapes of Auvergne, the medieval village of Conques, and into the Lot Valley. A shared adventure to begin the journey.
Our three children join us for a week of walking through the Quercy region. Six days of family bonding on the trail, exploring medieval villages, crossing rivers, and sharing the pilgrim experience together before they return home.
Alone with my thoughts and the trail, I continue 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 750 kilometers.
Currently: Day 0 - Le Puy-en-Velay
Follow along as photos are added from the trail
To add photos for each day: Save images with filenames like "day01.jpg", "day16.jpg" etc. and upload to your website's images folder. The gallery will automatically display them!
Following the journey? Have questions or want to send encouragement?
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.
Run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff, almost every dollar raised goes directly to helping children. When families flee domestic violence, education is often disrupted. Zephyr ensures these children can return to school with dignity and the tools they need to succeed.
820 kilometers walked to help children return to school
Your donation helps children affected by domestic violence get the education they deserve.
💚 Donate Now Learn More About ZephyrShare your encouragement, ask questions, or leave well-wishes for David's journey. All comments are moderated before appearing.
Temporary: You can use the Contact Form below to send messages until the guestbook is set up.
Public Guestbook Coming Soon
Once you set up the guestbook page in Squarespace, visitor comments and messages will appear here.
Messages will be sent directly to David's email. He'll respond as time permits from the trail.
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.
📋 Comment Policy
All comments are moderated before appearing publicly. Please don't share personal information or specific meeting plans in public comments. For private messages, use the contact form above.