Back from the Valley of No Return

We were remarkably lucky with the weather in the magic forest and managed to see everything planned and have some beautiful walks without getting soaked. Also, it was the perfect time of year to be enjoying this kind of landscape. The gite was excellent and highly recommended for a long or short stay (www.les-asphodeles.com), and we ate very well at Les Ajoncs d'Or in Néant-sur-Yvel and the bistro at the Relais de Brocéliande hotel in Paimpont. A long visit to the Arthurian centre at the Chateau de Comper kept us out of the rain on Monday, and good weather on Tuesday was perfect timing for our long walk up the Valley of No Return (where Morgane La Fée trapped knights in walls of air) to the neolithic dolmen named 'Viviane's House' up on the roof of the forest, with fabulous views all round. We also saw 'Merlin's tomb' and the remote Fontaine de Barenton - another amospheric walk - where the wizard first fell in love with Viviane (allegedly). Other highlights included the Arthurian church at Tréhorenteuc, the lakeside abbey at Paimpont, a sunny walk beside the river Aff and the mysterious Jardin aux Moines neolithic site. Altogether a great trip to a very different area with masses to see and exceptional walking to offer.