Wanted an early start, but initially got up way too early as it was still dark, but eventually woke again, had porridge, packed and away by 6:45. Very good by my standards. Took a last few photos of the Loire, only to find myself following more water – the Orleans Canal for quite a while.

Eventually got onto some really nice quiet lanes which took me to Ingrannes, I was left puzzled at one sign, but elected for the shorter route, as I should get enough exercise later in the day. Shortly after this I took a gamble following Google Maps, there was an excellent road/path straight across the Orleans Forest. The road had a name Route le Doulchamp, but a barrier across and a sign something to do with “rights” left me with some doubts. However there was no signal to Google the sign, so I pressed on (I always think the hi-viz helps in these situations). Anyway a it was a really good run and well worth taking.

I crossed the A19 before 10:00, and this marked halfway. The early start was paying off but it was still starting heat up this early. Incidentally the wind was supposed to be 5 kmh from NE (obviously a headwind that had been following my every move) but it didn’t cause too much of a problem. I picked up second breakfast in Ascoux, and got lunch in an Aldi in Pithiviers. After Pithiviers came the biggest challenge, the D2152 – dead straight, but up and down hill for 15km. I stopped frequently whenever there was shade – even the shadow of a water tower, the traffic was light but quite a few HGVs thundering past (but all well driven with no close shaves).

I found a nice shady bench in Maleherbes, before tackling a shorter but hillier straight on the D410. A nice little cut through brought me to the campsite in Milly-la-Foret. I quickly pitched the tent and jumped into the pool, the early start and really pushing for the first half had paid off as it was not yet 3:00. The reason for coming here was to look at the bouldering in the Fontainbleu forest. I’d heard of a route around all the boulders, so I set off on foot to Rock No3. It turns out this route is to encompass all 25 “peaks” in a circular route. I visited peak No2 as well, and in the whole 2 hour walk I did not see another human, nevermind loads of bouldering. The campsite is full of climbers, or cars with the stickers, slack lines between every tree and everyone lounging around on bouldering crash mats – so clearly the climbing exists and I just need to do better research!

Off to Paris tomorrow (or maybe only Versailles – need to see how it goes). Still very hot, I’m sweating typing this at 8:30 in the evening.