Calais to Looberghe – ferry port to Canal de la Colme

Having walked down to the ferry yesterday, I enjoyed the luxury of riding down in the camper van this morning. We were checked in and in the P&O queue by 7.45 a.m. The service area was awash with red scarves – not Barnsley but Arsenal fans en route to Paris and the Champions League final. Phil and I took the bucket around and everyone we spoke to contributed generously.

Anne and Geoff Hurst, friends from Wickham Bishops were joining us for today's walk and they parked right alongside us on the ferry. We were amongst the last on and had to wait to sit down in Langan's and enjoy a full traditional English breakfast, it may be the last for a while. A smooth, foggy crossing and soon, I was climbing out of the van to begin the 420 mile walk to Frankfurt .

Phil joined me 10 minutes later and we set off along the D119 towards Gravelines. Sandra, Anne and Geoff went into Calais by mistake and we had covered 2 miles before they caught up with us. Geoff and Anne joined the walkers leaving Sandra to drive the van. The weather was sunny and warm and we were soon hot, making a good pace along the flat roads through Wagem and towards Oye Plage. The village stretches over several miles in two distinct parts and Sandra waited for us in one part whilst we stood in the other. We had our first break after 9 miles.

Phil took over the driving leaving Sandra to walk for the rest of the day. After 2 more miles we reached Gravelines circled past the Marina – the last time we'll see proper water until the Meuse – and turned inland. For 3 miles we walked alongside a busy N road towards Bourbourg and were all relieved to walk into the town. A typical small French town with a pretty square with plenty of bars and a few hotels and restaurants. Phil and Anne, who speaks fluent French, were assigned to finding accommodation for the night whilst the other three of us continued out of town on the flat, straight roads into Flanders and towards the Belgium border. We finished for the day after 21.3 miles, right on schedule at the Canal de la Colme. Picking us up, Phil told us the good news that we were staying in a gorgeous chateau, with its own moat and square. Just had another cold bath and hot soak and going into Bourbourg for something to eat.

Yellow jersey award for walker of the day – Anne and Geoff Hurst – great to see them.

Distance covered – 21.2 miles Total covered – 169.9 miles