Jamie Bevan, a dishevelled Welshman walking from Merthyr Tydfil to Istanbul, accidentally entered the Michelin-starred restaurant L'Arbre in Gruson, northern France, and was treated to a five-star meal by renowned chef Benoit Bernard, leaving him in tears.
The Accidental Encounter
Bevan, who was camping and dishevelled, stopped at the restaurant to ask for water. Bernard, upon hearing about Bevan's 3,000-mile walk, invited him in and served a multi-course meal. 'I had fish, two other courses, pudding, and coffee. They had me in tears with their kindness. I tasted the best food I have ever had and was just welling up,' Bevan said.
The Epic Journey
Bevan set off from his home in Merthyr Tydfil in April, walking through 11 countries to raise funds for Cylch Meithrin y Gurnos, a Welsh-language nursery. He has walked more than 1,200 miles (over 70 days) and is roughly 10 days ahead of schedule. The trek must be completed within 90 days due to post-Brexit visa rules.
Wildlife Encounters and Challenges
Bevan has faced numerous challenges, including waking up surrounded by wild boar in the Ardennes forest in France. 'I woke up one night and the wild boar were outside my tent. Some of these boar are very big and they are quite shy but it is quite scary,' he said. He also saw beavers swimming in the Danube and heard frogs so loud they sounded like birds. In the Black Forest, he walked only during the day to avoid a known wolf pack.
Kindness of Strangers
Bevan has been touched by the kindness of strangers, including a German couple who let him pitch his tent in their garden and invited him for supper. 'The walk has been lonely but people I have met have been so kind. People hear your story and feed you and want to help,' he said.
Promoting the Welsh Language
Throughout his journey, Bevan has been spreading the word about Wales and the Welsh language. 'A lot of people think Welsh is a dialect of English so I am raising awareness,' he explained. He carries an ultra-light tent, sleeping bag, and stove, and keeps his phone charged with a power bank, occasionally staying in hostels.
Fundraising for Nursery
Bevan is raising money for Cylch Meithrin Y Gurnos, a Welsh-language nursery in Merthyr Tydfil. 'It’s a lifeline for families in the Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil – an area where poverty, social challenges, and lack of opportunity can shape a child’s future before they’ve even started school,' he said. Every pound raised goes directly to the nursery.
