Walks of less than 10km in the Ardennes
Explore the best walks of less than ten kilometres in the Ardennes. Perfect for a half-day, alone, or with the kids, friends or your other half, exploring the most beautiful Ardennes countryside.
Bois des Dames
Sometimes, you can stumble across a a place that feels like the back of beyond a few kilometres from home, like the soot-caked former industrial site of Bois des Dames at Chaudfontaine, where the hills are bare and the trees wizened like those on the savannah. The site has an unusual geology, caused by deposits of zinc dust discharged by the factory at Fraipont, which burned down and was demolished. Today, mother nature has slowly begun to reclaim the fire-damaged land and it is a magnificent location for a walk.
Access: Via E25 motorway, exit 39 (Chênée), then follow N61 towards Chaudfontaine
Level of difficulty: Easy - Distance: 6km - Duration: 2h45
Location: Chaudfontaine, Belgium
River Ourthe meander
This walk starts at Esneux railway station and goes towards the bridge over the Ourthe where, on the right, is "Le Thier", a magnificent flight of steps leading to the historic village centre. Further on, a track on the hillside leads to the banks of the Ourthe at Hony, a village that has retained all the charm of yesteryear, where you'll find a bakery selling delicious cakes… Then the path gets steeper as it climbs up to Falcons' Rock, where the spectacular views will make all your effort worthwhile!
Access: Via E25 motorway, exit 42, then take the N633 towards Esneux
Level of difficulty: Moderate - Distance: 10km - Duration: 4h
Location: Esneux, Belgium
Our valley trail
In the valley of the River Our, close to the German border, walking trails unfold toward the horizon. We have chosen a walk around the village of Ouren. This charming region is located where the borders of Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg meet. As we walk through it, we quickly realise how sweet life must be in this peaceful valley. Every bend in the path reveals delightful views of this enchanted valley.
Access: Via E42 motorway, exit 15
Level of difficulty: Moderate - Distance: 9km - Duration: 3h
Location: Ouren, Belgium
The Chantoirs valley
A "chantoir" is a stream which disappears underground, and which resurfaces further on down a valley. Starting in Adzeux, a village with seventeenth-century stone houses, the walk crosses a landscape of "bocages" (wooded farmland with high hedges). This walk is an ideal way to explore the countryside between the Condroz and the Ardennes.
Access: Via E25 motorway, exit 45.
Level of difficulty: Easy - Distance: 6km - Duration: 2h30
Location: Banneux, Belgium
The Ninglinpso valley
This walk follows the Ninglinspo stream, as it runs over waterfalls large and small in the depths of the forest. With a descent of more than 200m in its 2.5km length, this walk never disappoints! It's like being in a fairytale world.
Access: Via E25 motorway, exit 46, then follow N633 towards Remouchamps and Stoumont
Level of difficulty: Moderate - Distance: 4km - Duration: 1h40
Location: Sedoz (Remouchamps), Belgium
Pont-le-Prêtre
This walk follows blue waymarks across the Ourthe valley and features a great variety of landscapes. The descent into the valley formed by the Vieux Moulin stream is a delight. Here, the buildings blend into the landscape: former workshops and fortified farmhouses are fixed in the countryside. The path then join the Pont-le-Prêtre ("Priest's bridge") stream, whose name is derived from the journeys made by the parish priest of Izier to say Mass at Villers-Sainte-Gertrude.
Access: Via N806 from Manhay to Bomal, following signs to Villers-Sainte-Gertrude
Level of difficulty: Moderate - Distance: 7km - Duration: 3h
Location: Izier, Belgium
La Roche à Sept Heures
One of the most beautiful meanders of the River Meuse in the Ardennes is at Monthermé. This walk starts amid the schist-stone walls which line the narrow streets of the charming small town of Monthermé, and then begins to climb, as the best views are from the highest points. From the top of the sublime ridge you can enjoy one of the most majestic panoramic views in the Ardennes. In contrast to the Belgian Ardennes, which are dominated by coniferous plantations, here the trees are mostly broadleaved: beeches, oaks and birches.
Access: Via the "L'enveloppe" or the "Crêtes" footpaths from Monthermé
Level of difficulty: Moderate - Distance: 6km - Duration: 2h30
Location: Monthermé, France
Mont Saint Walfroy walk
At Margut, the hermitage is located in an exceptional position. Overlooking the surrounding region, the hill wraps itself around the countryside of the of the Chiers valley. This walk crosses the sunlit "cuesta" hills. The magical microclimate of the neighbouring Gaume region soon makes itself felt: it's so mild! The route climbs in a southerly direction and crosses the limestone meadows where mountain crickets and blue-winged grasshoppers are found along with the most beautiful wild orchids: a magical place! A delightfully shady path leads to the end of this beautiful southerly walk.
Access: Via the D8043 from Sedan
Level of difficulty: Easy- Distance: 7.5km - Duration: 2h30
Location: Margut, France
