RLS fans book French trip

IT'S the ultimate pilgrimage for admirers of Robert Louis Stevenson.

While most fans are content to curl up on the sofa with a good book, a group of readers are setting out to recreate one of his most famous journeys.

Members of the Capital-based RLS Club will walk 120 miles through the French mountains, following the route Stevenson took in Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes.

They are making the trip to mark the 130th anniversary of one of the Edinburgh-born author's best-loved books, although this time they won't be taking a donkey.

The 19 walkers will be given a heroes' reception in the French villages they pass, which are planning a year of events to celebrate the anniversary.

They will set off from Le Puy, in south-central France tomorrow, and expect to complete the walk in about two weeks.

Stevenson undertook his trek after falling in love with Fanny Osborne, who was at the time married to another man.

He set off on the solo journey to overcome his depression, with just a donkey, Modestine, for company. Ian Nimmo, a former Evening News editor and former chairman of the club, said 11 city members were taking part.

They will be joined by eight more enthusiasts, including walkers from the United States and Japan.

He said: "The 130th anniversary is a very big thing in this part of France.

"They're having an enormous publicity campaign. In every village we're being met and looked after.

"We're trying to walk every step of the way as Stevenson did it – except minus the donkey.

"We'll travel to Le Puy where it all started, and finish off at St Jean du Gard. It's the first time the club has done it like this.

"It's quite difficult at times as you are over the height of Ben Nevis, but it is wonderful countryside.

"He did it in September, but we're doing it now, when the Cévennes will be looking their best. We are in a sense representing Edinburgh and the world city of literature.

"We are the mother club, but there are people coming from all over the world. One lady, Komiko Koiwa, from Japan, has travelled the world following in his footsteps."

The club was formed in 1920 to "foster interest in Stevenson's life and works".

They organise regular exhibitions, lectures and readings as well as literary competitions.

They have close links with the RLS Club of Monterey, California, and are twinned with L'Association sur le Chemin de RLS in the Cévennes, France.

Ian Gardiner, 72, a former land surveyor, from near Penicuik, is organising the walk.

He will be walking the route for the third time, accompanied by his wife, Pat.

He said: "It's a most enjoyable walk, and the French are very enthusiastic about this.

"We're being treated very kindly, and met and wined and dined in the evening. This is the start of a festival running throughout the rest of the year."