Matthew Fitzhenry
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Le Puy-en-Velay, 27 April - 12 May 2023
I want to add my notes towards taking the three railway bridge shortcuts on the section Conduché – Cahors.
Bridge 1: After coming down from the descent into Conduché I took the GR651 along the D662 into Bouziés. This was surely the most dangerous section I encountered. One of my fellow French pilgrims took the railway bridge to cross the Lot. I would recommend anyone taking this route not to follow the official path – there is very little room to walk, and you must keep your wits about you. Take the bridge.
Bridge 2: Crossing the stone bridge after Bouziés (44.469541, 1.607407) – You can find the bare track that leads up to the stone railway bridge, as steep climb. Avoid taking the very first path down after crossing the bridge. Follow the tracks until it passes overhead the road. Getting down to the road via the right-hand side is the easiest way.
Bridge 3: Crossing the steel bridge after Velles (44.467765, 1.544546) – Walking a little way after the railway crossing on the D653, you will find another bare track leading up to the rails. The path along the rails is marked by orange ‘balisage de securité’ hanging before and after the bridge to guide you. I have the GPX files if anyone is interested, but I cannot attach them here.
Bridge 1: After coming down from the descent into Conduché I took the GR651 along the D662 into Bouziés. This was surely the most dangerous section I encountered. One of my fellow French pilgrims took the railway bridge to cross the Lot. I would recommend anyone taking this route not to follow the official path – there is very little room to walk, and you must keep your wits about you. Take the bridge.
Bridge 2: Crossing the stone bridge after Bouziés (44.469541, 1.607407) – You can find the bare track that leads up to the stone railway bridge, as steep climb. Avoid taking the very first path down after crossing the bridge. Follow the tracks until it passes overhead the road. Getting down to the road via the right-hand side is the easiest way.
Bridge 3: Crossing the steel bridge after Velles (44.467765, 1.544546) – Walking a little way after the railway crossing on the D653, you will find another bare track leading up to the rails. The path along the rails is marked by orange ‘balisage de securité’ hanging before and after the bridge to guide you. I have the GPX files if anyone is interested, but I cannot attach them here.