Hiking. Preserve, rehabilitate, animate… the precious advice of Bernard Farinelli for conscious and committed walking

Can you introduce yourself?

Recently retired, I had the chance to work in the field of local development and thus to travel the countryside and the regions. These experiences, stays and discoveries have nourished my books and my articles.

I live in Auvergne, in a magnificent space. One of the paths to Santiago passes right below my house. Writing, hiking and dry stone courses to restore the terrace walls occupy part of my days.

Have you ever taken long walks?

Three decades ago, I left from Saint-Etienne de Baïgorry (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) to Santiago de Compostela, when there were few reception structures, apart from the monasteries, and the reception was quite easy in families. But nothing really organized: which doesn’t displease me, thus leaving room for adventure. This hike, which was the first, then made me consider any other route that was a bit long as a pilgrimage.

You just wrote the book Act for the paths. For what purpose?

This book was born from a desire to think globally about hiking. We walk because there are public or private paths, maintained, marked and there are sometimes conflicts between different practices (for example motorbikes, mountain biking and hiking, not to mention conflicts with hunters). And because we cross territories that nourish us (physically, intellectually and often spiritually). This is one of the main threads of the book.

You cite travel writers there. Which ones do you like to read?

Several authors have left their mark on me. Two contemporaries: Albert Kahn, whom I had the pleasure of meeting and who traveled throughout France, and Sylvain Tesson, for his way of transforming a trip into an adventure. How can we not also return to the source with Jacques Lacarrière and his Along the wayan irreplaceable title because it implies that an inner ferment takes place while walking, nourished by the exchanges between our thoughts, our body and the landscape…

While with the approach of winter, most hikers have deserted the paths, other stakeholders in hiking come into play. Who are they?

Few great winter hikers, in fact, with the exception of solo travelers or groups on Sundays and holidays. When there is snow, snowshoe hiking takes over. Just above my home, the Cézallier highlands allow this practice.

Why is the work of markers so important?

Volunteers most often belong to a hiking club. And these are beautiful days in the great outdoors for those who accept the mission!

Without marking, there is no readable indication. Of course, we can do without it with a dedicated card. Today, digital applications abound, the path is traced on a land register map, with relief… But I prefer the old way: I take the time, I think, I hesitate. So, the marking is an additional guarantee.

How can hikers participate in trail maintenance?

By taking out a license in a federation and getting involved in the life of the local association. The simple walker can also report any marking concerns and material incidents on the path, via the Suricate network.

What is the state of trails in France?

So far, we have no reason to complain in France regarding the number of paths and federations. Two concerns though. The lack of education of certain hikers who leave cattle gates open, who forget the remains of their lunch on the side of the path or who do not respect local life when crossing villages. A hello and a bit of chat softens the mood! Second concern: the radicalization of certain owners, particularly linked to conflicts of use during the hunting season.

Which paths do you prefer?

The GR®20 when I was a teenager, then the paths that cross Haute-Provence and the Massif Central, including the magnificent Auvergne, Aubrac, the Grands Causses, the Cévennes… And I wouldn’t want to forget the coastal paths… Nor the rest of the country!

Besides… how were hiking trails born?

Honor to the Vosgien Club which, the first (since 1872!), enhanced the paths, marked them, while taking into account the historical heritage (restoration of a small chapel or vernacular heritage, restoration of fountains for example ). Since then, the movement has expanded and there are more than 300 GRs to date.

You quote Frédéric Gros: “ Walking means paying homage to the landscape. » In what way?

Frédéric Gros is a philosopher who walks, who therefore takes the time to reflect. We thus pay homage to the landscape, most of the time shaped by men, rural people. There is a relationship that is created with a laborious human past. We go back in time a little. One reason for the success of the hike is to rub shoulders with these inhabitants, and to breathe in protected natural places.

You also emphasize the role of wayside crosses. What is it?

Wayside crosses, whatever the reason for their erection, remain a symbol of peasant life and its way of life. In 1914, 80% of the population was rural. The cross remains a landmark.

You mention an original initiative, the Path of Knowledge. What does it consist of?

The goal of the Path of Knowledge is to create a network of places driven by the search for a new relationship between man and nature. Its particularity is the progress of the trainees which creates it momentarily. The initiative somewhat takes up the idea of ​​the Companions of Duty. We go from step to step around know-how. We welcome and are welcomed around a potential craft profession, in the hope of a successful encounter. Do not hesitate to contact the association!

The title of your conclusion is: “ A meaning of life ». Could this be a definition of walking?

Of course! Walking has always helped me, soothed me, made me think. We are both contemplative and active. And what’s more, you can practice it without a large budget!

What advice would you give to hikers and pilgrims planning their next hike?

Apart from a minimum of physical preparation and organization, I would advise always opening your eyes, being curious, accepting the living: in a word, life!