Going Deutsch

Keen to make a proper trip to Germany, keen walkers Geoff Crowther and wife Chrissie headed for Bavaria, taking in war memorials, tasting city life and following stunning alpine trails.

- Geoff Crowther

Where to go for our summer trip? Fancying a change from France, after much discussion we came up with Bavaria. We’d flashed through Germany on our way to Scandinavia a couple of summers back, and I’d been through it on a motorbike trip to Poland, but we hadn’t yet spent any time there.

We’re avid walkers, along with our two dogs, so the high country of Bavaria looked appealing. We had several weeks, so we’d be in no hurry, and the idea of a slow, rambling road trip began to take shape.

Planning? Well, we booked a ferry from Dover to Dunkirk, bought some guides and that was about it. Hoping to use aires and stellplätze as much as possible, there’d be no need to book any campsites.

Catching the Last Post

Our preferred Channel crossing allowed us to again use a favourite aire in Hondschoote, near Dunkirk, and from there, we hopped across the border into Belgium.

Chrissie and I particularly wanted to experience the Last Post at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Parking on the outskirts of the former garrison town, we walked with the dogs through parkland outside the old city walls.

We were surprised to see half a dozen motorhomes in a large car park by the sports centre, so we joined them. From there, it was an easy amble to the Menin Gate. Last time I was here, my labrador Tilly and I watched the ceremony with no fuss, but today the crowds were seven or eight deep. Nevertheless, despite a limited view of proceedings, it was still a very moving experience to hear the buglers perform their daily tribute.The sombre spectacle couldn’t fail to bring a tear to the eye.

Waving goodbye to Ypres, we drove eastwards to take in some of Belgium’s finest industrial architecture. First up, the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift on the Canal du Centre.