jacques.nys
- Location: Gembloux
- Gender: man
- Website: https://les-balades-de-papyness-et-mamyness.be
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Published route(s)
Countryside and the canal from Obaix
This mainly rural circular route starting from Obaix takes you on a journey of discovery not only through the agricultural plain in the triangle enclosed by the motorway network between Gosselies, La Louvière and Nivelles, but also along a southern section of the Charleroi–Brussels Canal. The icing on the cake: the route passes through the ‘Refuge nature de l’Étang de Launoy’, managed by Natagora.
The Roannay Valley and Mont des Brumes
Set off to explore the northern part of the magnificent Roannay Valley between Francorchamps (the Consoux district) and Moulin du Ruy. Alternating between woodland and countryside scenery, with lovely views of both the valley floor and its two slopes, the route is sure to delight you. Whilst the walk does not go over the summit of Mont des Brumes, it does cross the downhill ski run and its ski lifts.
Along the Aisne and Ourthe rivers, starting from Bomal
Alternating between wooded and countryside sections, paths and tracks along the riverbank, village crossings, and panoramic views of the cliffs overlooking the Aisne and the Ourthe, this route offers walkers all the essential ingredients for a wonderful day of exploration.
Totem of the Knights of Opprebais
Revitalising the concept of the treasure hunt and pioneering educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, Totemus offers you the chance to discover the main heritage and natural features of the village of Opprebais, just as the knights who once lived in these parts might have done.
From the Malchamps Fagnes to the Barisart Springs
Set off to explore the western part of the Malchamps Fagnes, with a superb view to the east from the top of the Berinzenne Tower. Then head west along the ridge towards the Col du Rosier before turning off into the forest towards the Thiers des Rexhons ski run. A little further on, you’ll discover the Spa springs. The path linking the Fontaine de la Géronstère (to the south) with the Barisart spring (to the north) is simply splendid. And the path leading up towards Pouhon Pia is just as interesting. All that remains is to make your way back to the starting point, passing close to the picnic and barbecue area at the Domaine de Berinzenne.
Totemus: discovering the treasures of Plainevaux
Reviving the concept of the treasure hunt and pioneering educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, Totemus sets out to discover some of Plainevaux’s hidden treasures by exploring the country lanes and woodland paths starting from the primary school.
Totemus all over the place in Trois-Ponts
Revitalising the concept of the treasure hunt and pioneering educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, Totemus sets out to explore two of the three watercourses that converge at Trois-Ponts: the Ruisseau du Bâleur and the walk around its lake, followed by a short stretch of the River Salm. The route then climbs slightly to offer some lovely views of the surrounding valleys.
Totem pole depicting the beavers of the former Rahier Castle
Totemus, the pioneer of the treasure hunt concept and creator of educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, takes you from the old castle of Rahier on a journey of discovery through a typical village in the Liège Ardennes, with its meadows and forests. The beaver figurines will guide you along the route, teaching you the basics of traditional Walloon trades and language, as well as offering insights into the ecosystem of their habitat today.
Walk between Hèze, Roux-Miroir and Longueville
Hèze, Piétrebais, Roux-Miroir, Longueville … the first part is almost exclusively rural, passing by the Ferme du Grand Hacquedeau, which has been magnificently renovated and set off to its best advantage in an idyllic setting. After Longueville, the route becomes more wooded, crosses the Bois de Bonlez, passes the Ferme du Fort des Voiles before continuing through the Bois de Glabais and heading back up into the countryside overlooking Hèze on the southern side.
The Bois du Prince and Bois du Cazier, via the Eau d’Heure
The Saint-Charles Sud slag heap of the former Bois du Cazier coal mine may not be the ‘roof of the Pays Noir’, but it offers a remarkable vantage point over its history! Its summit provides a 360° panoramic view of the Charleroi region. Combined with the splendid Bois du Prince, the old railway line 133 that linked Couillet to Jamioulx, the Eau d’Heure and the Jamioulx State Nature Reserve (a former Visian limestone quarry and lime production site), this walk takes you on a journey of discovery through a genuine green lung to the south of Charleroi!
A circular walk through the countryside and woods north of Foy-Notre-Dame
Alternating between open countryside and wooded areas, this circular route follows part of the Foy-Notre-Dame Pilgrims’ Trail and offers the chance to discover an exceptional site, four charming villages and a number of beautiful, imposing farmhouses and even manor farms.
Circular route in the countryside to the north of Fraiture
This walk, which is mainly through the countryside, follows footpaths, tracks, village streets and small roads in the south-western part of the municipality of Sprimont, offering lovely views of this wonderfully undulating region.
Discovering the treasures of Écaussinnes
The mainly urban section at the start allows you to discover some of the gems of the two Écaussinnes (Écaussinnes-Lalaing and Écaussinnes-d’Enghien) before heading out into the countryside between Ronquières and Feluy via the magnificent Senette valley. A walk with two distinct character, which can very easily be split into a short urban stroll and a longer countryside walk.
Totemus in Crupet
Revitalising the concept of the treasure hunt and pioneering educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, Totemus invites you to discover the undulating landscape of the Condroz, characterised by alternating ridges and valleys, as well as some of the gems of the village of Crupet.
Totemus in Maredsous: through hills and abbeys
Reviving the concept of the treasure hunt and pioneering educational and fun routes in partnership with local tourism stakeholders, Totemus invites you to discover numerous treasures, some of them well hidden, near the abbeys of Maredsous and Maredret.
Circular route on the Vesdre hillsides starting from Wegnez
A lovely, slightly challenging circular walk on the northern slope of the Vesdre between Lambermont and Olne, passing through Cornesse and Soiron. Numerous paths and tracks await the walker and offer, here and there, some lovely views of the Vesdre valley as well as the rolling countryside on either side of Soiron. The walk through the Tribomont estate provides a lovely finale, part woodland and part countryside.
Circular route around Houtain-le-Val
These vast agricultural landscapes offer the advantage of peace and solitude, disturbed only by the occasional tractor in the fields, farm lorries transporting crops or, from time to time, the microlight runway at Baisy-Thy. Although the Genappe Sugar Factory Settling Tanks Nature Reserve is generally closed to the public, the route passes by a birdwatching post situated on the edge of the reserve.
Habay along the water’s edge
Plenty of deciduous trees, few conifers, a few fine historical and architectural discoveries… as well as a charming gastronomic gem serving ‘Plats canailles’ at La Bleue Maison.
Towards La Hédrée and La Wamme, setting off from Waha
From Waha church, the walk begins by heading due east before climbing up through the countryside and then into woodland. After passing through the very pretty Bois de Waha, the route returns to open countryside as far as Harsin, offering beautiful panoramic views over the Hédrée and Wamme valleys. The walk then takes you to explore the Prés de la Wamme and the splendid Château Jemeppe in Hargimont, before gently winding its way back up to the hills of Waha.
Waulsort and the Meuse ridges, starting from Falmignoul
Whilst some sections are very easy and practically flat along the Meuse, those higher up can prove more challenging and resemble a proper trail run. But the reward is simply marvellous… even when done with fit children! A few lovely views of the Meuse from the heights add a real treat to the route. And the particularly difficult section, which might interest children, is very easy to avoid.Please note: the ferry service (free boat crossing of the Meuse for pedestrians) only operates between April and October… check the timetables online.The walk is classified as difficult due to its elevation gain and the steepness of some of the paths.
A short walk through a mix of urban and rural landscapes to the west of Ottignies
As the title suggests, this short walk starting from Ottignies railway station is half urban, half rural… with that distinctive feature of Walloon Brabant where the built-up area is criss-crossed by numerous charming historic footpaths that often give the impression of being in the countryside whilst actually being in a residential area!
The Grand Bois de Ham and the Sambre
Here is a walk in the hills above the Sambre which begins by crossing the Taravisée plateau, with its wind turbines, strawberry fields, farm and castle, before entering the Grand Bois de Ham and reaching the Sambre via one of its oxbow lakes, before the river was channelled. The return route follows the towpath on the right bank, then climbs through the Bois Roly to return to the starting point.
The Anciennes Troufferies de Libin Nature Reserves
The walk runs alongside and through the two nature reserves set up to preserve the former peat bogs or fens situated between the N40 and the railway line linking Brussels to Luxembourg. These sections offer a landscape typical of the ‘fagne’ region, with heathland, pools and shrubs.The entire route runs through woodland, with a wide variety of tree species offering a fairly balanced mix of conifers and deciduous trees. There is little undergrowth, allowing you to appreciate the forest in all its splendour.There are lovely views of the Large Fontaine stream just before the 3 km mark, the Fagne de Tailsus stream around the 6 km mark, and the Lomme stream at the 8 km mark, just before the steepest climb of the day.
Peace and quiet amidst nature in Volaiville
This superb region, half countryside and half woodland, is delightfully undulating, fairly sparsely populated and well off the beaten track – excellent ingredients for a successful, peaceful and relaxing walk in the heart of nature, with beautiful scenery to boot. With a bit of luck, you might even have the chance to startle a herd of deer or wild boar as you approach.
A circular loop around Wellin starting from Sohier
A walk from Sohier, one of Wallonia’s most beautiful villages, to Chanly via the Wellin viewpoint and the Maria footbridge over the Lesse. The return route takes in the Croix de Jeumont and the Sourd d’Ave. Situated between the region’s two enormous quarries, this walk alternates between countryside and woodland, offering some lovely panoramic views of the area.
Apples, pears, castles and a transparent church on the way to Heers
Orchards, apple trees, pear trees – there are legions (Roman) of them in the Limburg Hesbaye. And there’s also that famous ancient Roman road which the walk follows along (almost) its entire northern section between Tongeren and Sint-Truiden! Whether up close or from a distance, slightly hidden or clearly visible, walkers will be able to admire a number of castles along this very rural route. The walk passes by the region’s magnificent, unmissable work of art, ‘Reading between the lines’ – the famous transparent church made of Corten steel.
Between Laval and the western Ourthe, starting from Lavacherie
The valleys of the western Ourthe, its tributary the Laval, and the Orti Nature Reserve are particularly interesting at the start. After Wachirock, a succession of lovely countryside scenes unfolds, with panoramic views across this beautiful, rolling region. The stretch between Tillet and Amberloup offers a particularly relaxing atmosphere. The return journey along the outskirts of Tonny, through the countryside, in the undergrowth or along the edges of woodland, provides a very pleasant finale to this easy walk.Keen observers will probably spot the odd remnant of a work of art near the nature reserve, the gigantic white building of the holiday centre overlooking Amberloup, and the Château du Celly in the direction of the Cheslin Rocks. Happy spotting! Well worth a go in any season!
Dolmens, menhirs and the Aisne Tourist Tramway
Megaliths – whether dolmens (covered passageways) or menhirs (standing stones) – are abundant in this region, where one comes across boulders that could well have been added to the collection at any bend in the forest path. One question remains: how on earth did our Neolithic ancestors manage to move, erect or stack these enormous boulders, some weighing up to 10 tonnes?The Aisne Tourist Tram, on the other hand, is much more recent, dating from the 1960s, following the permanent closure of the local railway line from the first half ofthe 20th century, which linked the stations at Comblain-la-Tour and Melreux via Manhay.
From Muno to Sainte-Cécile via La Roche à l’Appel
This lovely walk, half through woodland and half across open countryside, first takes you to the Monty viewpoint overlooking the village of Muno before heading towards La Roche à l’Appel through a magnificent deciduous forest. The challenging nature of the walk is not solely due to its length or elevation gain, but to the forest sections where either nature is gradually reclaiming its territory, or the path has been damaged by timber extraction work, or the trail is obscured by a carpet of leaves. Two shortcuts and two longer routes are available.
Medium-length walk around the Grottes de Han estate
This medium-length walk around the Grottes de Han estate naturally differs in a few respects from the walk known as the ‘Grand Tour of the Grottes de Han estate’. It does not follow the course of the Lesse between Belvaux and Resteigne Castle, but it does take in the hermitage site and, above all, involves climbing to the top of the rocky cliff face to the north of the estate via an alpine-style path. This walk is probably not suitable for all children, but the bravest and most determined will enjoy the small playground at the starting point, the famous ‘alpine’ trail, and spotting animals on the outskirts of the park or from the Griffaloux viewpoint.
Walk between Buvrinnes and Mont-Sainte-Geneviève
Set off to explore the countryside and woods around the Planty hill, on the border between Binche, Anderlues and Lobbes. The route runs alongside the Marais de Buvrinnes and passes successively through the Bois des Vieilles, the Bois du Baron (magnificent avenues lined with beech and Douglas fir trees) and the Bois d’Howis. A short round trip to the square on the other side of the church at Mont-Sainte-Geneviève allows you to discover a lovely century-old bandstand.
The Sonian Forest on the Solvay and Argenteuil side
These magnificent beech woods in the Forest of Soignes are a feast for the eyes and offer a sense of tranquillity to walkers seeking peace and serenity. The Folon Museum and the green spaces around La Hulpe Castle are a true invitation to embark on a cultural and architectural journey amidst nature that has been splendidly landscaped within an extraordinary park. Towards the end, however, the proximity of the Brussels Eastern Ring Road and the walls of the Argenteuil estate somewhat detract from the natural feel of the start. That is why a few promising shortcuts are suggested.
Circular wooded walk in the Pays de Herve starting from Charneux
The Pays de Herve is known for its green, rolling countryside, its hedgerows, its stone walls, its large farms, its livestock and its fruit trees dotted amongst the pastures. This circular walk takes you on a journey to discover part of this area between Charneux, Bolland, Mortier and Saint-André.
The Brabant countryside, starting from Sart-Risbart
This short walk through the Brabant countryside, including a visit to the Champt’aine Nature Reserve, offers a chance to get some fresh air and recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Thelandscapes vary greatly depending on the season.
Around the eastern Ourthe and a few of its tributaries from Sommerain onwards
Running through woodland on both the northern and southern sides, this long walk on the heights of the eastern Ourthe is predominantly rural and offers lovely views of the surrounding countryside as well as, in the distance, the villages of the Gouvy area.
The Escaille Certified Nature Reserve and the Gembloux countryside
As indicated in the title, this walk explores the agricultural countryside of the plain north-east of Gembloux towards Sauvenière, the hamlet of Baudecet and Ernage. The highlight is probably the Escaille Nature Reserve, with its pond, birdwatching posts, old ruined mill and heritage orchard.
Circular walk starting from Sohier
A walk from Sohier, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, to Chanly, via the Wellin viewpoint and the Maria footbridge over the Lesse. The return route takes you through the centre of Wellin, then south of the Fond des Vaux quarry and past the Lomprez cemetery. This walk alternates between countryside and woodland, offering some lovely views of the region, notably the Croix de Jeumont to the north and the former Resteigne quarry to the east.
On the heights above the Meuse between Moha, Bas-Oha and Couthuin
Farmland and manorial estates – that’s what’s on offer. Numerous castles and manor houses await you – sometimes clearly visible, sometimes nearby, sometimes well hidden, sometimes slightly off the route – each with its own story!In order: Lamalle, Laminne, Blanc, Envoz, Temple and Moha, whilst Potesta and Fosseroule lie just off the route.
On the heights of the Amblève, starting from Aywaille
Set off to explore the countryside and forests on the heights of the Amblève around the centre of Aywaille, passing in particular through the Goiveux Former Quarries Nature Reserve, the Warnoumont Forest, the Florzé ridge path, the hamlets of Lillé and Martinrive, the former quarries at Chambralles and the meadows of Cwimont.
A walk through the countryside and woodland north of Strée-lez-Huy
Rural in character at the start, in the middle and at the end, this walk on the heights above the Meuse passes through beautiful woodland areas with a variety of tree species for much of the route. Three easy shortcuts allow you to shorten the distance if necessary.
The Himalayan-style footbridge over the Semois
Let’s set off to discover the treasures and natural beauty of the Semois in its entirely wooded stretch between Sainte-Cécile and Herbeumont. As well as views of various meanders and the medieval castle of Herbeumont from the heights, the walk follows the river upstream for several kilometres before reaching the Himalayan-style footbridge, which was opened in early summer 2026. Although the route follows the left bank exclusively, crossing the Semois back and forth at height on the footbridge is an experience not to be missed (except for those prone to vertigo).
In the woods of Arville
From the small car park at the back of the Arville barbecue area (at the end of Rue de la Supinette), the walk heads through the countryside towards the Lozet Biai pond. At Le Paradis, the route enters the woods and remains there almost all the way to the finish.Wide paths or narrow tracks, stony, muddy, grassy and even a bit soggy in places, are the main features of this route. Only 600 metres of tarmac at the start and a 200-metre break about a third of the way along the route allow you to keep your boots reasonably dry… you can wipe your boots clean when crossing a few small fords further on, but recent forestry work will almost certainly quickly undo any cleaning efforts.Apart from the ever-present forest, walkers pass by the Halifax memorial as well as the Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours Chapel, also known as the Chapelle du Cheny du Mont, where there is a bench.On the way back, there’s a lovely view on the horizon of the outskirts of Arville.
Circular countryside loop starting from Xhoris
This beautiful and pleasant circular route between Xhoris and Filot, on the border between the Liège Condroz, the Calestienne, the Famenne and the Ardennes, is mainly rural and offers panoramic views of the northern slopes of the Ourthe. The two villages you pass through feature some pretty stone buildings, but the architectural highlight of the day is the Château d’Insegotte.
Circular Ardennes route between Brisy, Taverneux, Alhoumont and Cetturu
Typical of the Ardennes, alternating between countryside (fields and pastures) and woodland (deciduous and coniferous), this circular walk through the valley and across the hills of the eastern Ourthe, to the east of Houffalize, is a wonderful experience to be enjoyed in all seasons.
In the countryside and the Tournibus Forest
A circular route through the countryside (fields of maize, flax, potatoes, etc., and cattle and horse farms) between the villages and hamlets to the east of the municipality of Mettet. It is interspersed with a long stretch through the Tournibus State Forest.
The Arbre à Loques, the Fontaine Bouillante and the Mer de Sable
Whilst interesting sites such as the Stambruges Communal Forest, the Mer de Sable, the Fontaine Bouillante and the Ath-Blaton Canal are already well documented, here is a slightly different suggestion that takes in the Arbre à Loques and follows the canal along a forest path rather than the towpath used by so many cyclists!
From Cornimont to Rochehaut
Starting from the pretty chapel at Cornimont, the walk soon enters the forest, skirting the pastures of the hamlet known as ‘Le Give’, before reaching Rochehaut near the brewery (brewing & tasting), the agricultural museum and the wildlife park.The route continues towards the centre of Rochehaut and its viewpoints over the circular Semois loop, Frahan and the footbridge dating from 1926. This is followed by a lovely descent towards the Semois and the old slate quarry beneath the Rocher des Corbeaux. The walk continues along the river (note the tobacco drying shed on the opposite bank) to Ban de Laviot and its campsites, before heading back up into the forest to bypass them on the way to Hour.After 100 metres on tarmac, the walk turns onto a narrow path and climbs up to the Mont d’Aule via forest tracks, before descending gently to the Hamai viewpoint overlooking the Semois valley. From there, the return journey to Cornimont follows a forest track through the countryside to the south-west of the village.
The Bocq de Bauche valley in Chansin, starting from Crupet
After the magnificent view at the start of the walk over the Carondelet keep and its immediate surroundings, the walk passes by (and through) the surprising Crupet cave, built by the parish priest of the time (1866–1926), before heading towards Bauche along a lovely forest path.Just after the Bauche bridge, the route turns onto a path on the left, quickly joining the Bocq Tourist Railway, which it follows as far as the first level crossing.From there, the route begins to follow the River Bocq, passing under the railway line several times beneath the arches of beautiful stone bridges … or through tunnels, until it reaches the old Durnal-Dorinne station at Chansin.After the steep climb towards Durnal, the walk continues through the countryside towards Herbefays before turning left onto the small ridge road (this is the Condroz) and its northern viewpoint overlooking Maillen and Jassogne.Return to the starting point via the Bois des Comognes in Jassogne and the Insefy path.
Val di Peio from the Prabon car park
A magnificent mountain hike in the Stelvio National Park to the Cevedale ‘G. Larcher’ mountain hut, starting from the Prabòn car park.
On the outward journey, the route passes Malga Mare (reservoir, mountain restaurant, etc.), the splendid Salt dei Gembri waterfall and Plan Venezia.
On the return journey, the route takes you past the Marmotte, Nero and Careser lakes before descending back to Malga Mare.
The outward and return journeys between the starting point and Malga Mare follow different paths on either side of the Noce Bianco stream.
Borzée, or a beaver’s paradise
Borzée, the cul-de-sac hamlet in the woods halfway up between Maboge along the Ourthe and Samrée on the plateau, had become virtually deserted since the closure of its iconic Nature Centre. It has come back to life and will likely become even livelier once the final phases of the Anatura Ardenne project to build a holiday village are completed.Borzée, the stream which officially rises in the hamlet’s pond behind the chapel and flows into the Mer stream barely 1.5 km further down, is literally overrun by beavers, whose dams, driftwood and gnawed, fallen tree trunks can be seen on either side of the valley.