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A long route combining the Libaude PR® walk and BaudouinB’s ‘From station to station: Marquillies – Don-Sainghin’ walk, for which I have reproduced a large part of the description with his permission. It’s long and incredibly flat, but you’re on narrow paths almost the whole time. I’ve classified it as difficult because of its length and the flatness, which means you have to walk at a steady pace the whole time.

A circular loop starting from Malons-et-Elze with very little tarmac and a significant elevation gain. I’ve rated it as very difficult because the paths between (4) and (5) are very treacherous. What’s more, the route finishes with the climb up to Bournaves, and at the end of the walk, if it’s hot, it’s quite gruelling. But what a pleasure these walks are, out in the middle of nowhere!

A fairly challenging route as the bulk of the climb comes at the end, and therefore in the heat. Walking along the old drovers' road is a real pleasure, as it is so unspoilt (apart from a few watchtowers...). From the point (11), the route is magnificent, with a succession of paths and the crossing of Bournaves, which has some lovely houses.

A long route through the heath around Chandolas with some very wild paths. The highlight is a final section along a ledge above Chassezac, which is dizzying but not difficult provided you remain cautious. The use of a map app is strongly recommended, preferably OpenStreetMap, as there are many tracks in the heath.

This route alternates between small roads and paths. Explore Cassel via the Chemin des Remparts and enjoy a bite to eat as we’re two-thirds of the way through the walk. After Cassel, we follow a series of paths to reach Terdeghem.

A circular route through countryside and woodland, taking in places steeped in history.After a somewhat tedious first kilometre, the walk follows a series of paths and quiet country lanes to reach Wulvergem.After a lovely circular route through Wulvergem, you’ll find a wild path at a place called Rosenberg before crossing the Bois de la Hutte. A short stretch then along the Ghent-Wevelgem roads to reach the Christmas Truce Cemetery.You then cross the Ploegsteert Wood to reach the Memorial Museum.

Long route through the urban area. Follow the Lawe and then the Brette to reach the Miner's Monument in Bruay. To return, head to Cité 4 in Bruay before reaching the Bois des Dames by following the PR® du Bois des Dames. Crossing the woods takes you to the slag heap before leading you to Emmaüs. From there, the return journey is via the Bois de la Sablière. There are many paths and "bus lanes" for a route that is passable even in wet weather.

A route through an urban area, mainly on paths. It takes you through the Domaine de Bellenville, the Terril and the Labourse ponds, as well as past the impressive Moulin du Ballon (or Moulin Buret). In late October 2026, following the storm, there were fallen trees in the Domaine de Bellenville and they were not easy to get past. This was also the case at Labourse after point 15.

This is a long route on good paths, which means it can be enjoyed in all seasons.There are a few sections on roads, but apart from the D68 near Avesnes, they are not very busy.The icing on the cake is the crossing of Avesnes-le-Comte via Les Voyettes.

When the weather becomes a little wetter, you can still hike on Mont Rouge. This route alternates between small roads (with little traffic), paths and forest trails, which makes it a little less strenuous. It is a winding route, so the app is very useful. There is quite a bit of elevation gain and, in wet weather, the trails are quite slippery. The walk is therefore quite tiring (equivalent to a 25 km route).

This is a long route without any major difficulties, apart from the distance. It follows a succession of wide paths and small roads, making it safe to walk even in wet weather. It is therefore ideal from October onwards.

A long route on good paths, allowing you to maintain a good walking pace, all at an altitude of over 1,100 metres. A long, steady climb leads to the Moure de la Gardille: a superb view! You then descend to the source of the Allier, before setting off on a long trek through the forest. It’s cool, perhaps a little monotonous (few viewpoints), but the winding route means you need to stay alert. The app is highly recommended. You then walk along the Allier to reach Chabalier. The final stretch is fairly easy, but it gets hot on the narrow roads and well-maintained paths.

Long route through the Bois de Roquelaure, the Poulouches d'Allouagne and the Vallée Carreau d'Auchel. Return via Lozinghem and Mont Éventé before finishing at the Terril de Lapugnoy and a beautiful path on the edge of the Bois des Dames.Relatively little tarmac (but we are still in an urban area), but in wet weather, some paths can become difficult.

A long stretch along the slopes of Mont Kemmel to discover the Lettenberg, a small hill near Kemmel (perhaps the result of the union between Mont Rouge and Mont Kemmel?). The rest of the route is fairly standard, but passes through areas that are often very damp. And as always in this area, the elevation gain is quite significant. Avoid this walk in early August, during the Dranouter Festival.

There are very few roads on this countryside route, which becomes quite challenging in wet weather. Although the elevation gain does not seem significant, the Sentier de la Vignette, on the northern edge of Vimy Wood, is very undulating, with steep slopes that will give your calves a good workout. You can, of course, go down into the trenches and wander around this labyrinth for a while. Late October 2026: following the storm, there are fallen trees on the Sentier de la Vignette (between markers 8 and 9). The first one is quite difficult to get over, but it is doable.

This is a route on which I had fun concentrating as many difficulties as possible (more than 400 m of elevation gain). This gives it a somewhat labyrinthine feel, but it allows you to avoid tarmac as much as possible. So you walk from peak to peak on well-marked, clean paths. The use ofthe Visorando app is highly recommended, even though the numbering system is very practical.

In the Riez de Nœux-les-Auxi, there is a beautiful walk along the Canche in Boubers and Ligny. With the climb up the Ravin des Cavernes, you really feel like you are in another world (even more so now, with the final chaos). The route becomes very difficult in wet weather in the Riez and the ravine.

Hike north of Prévenchères with a reasonable elevation gain. The weak point of the hike is, of course, the start on tarmac, but it allows you to warm up with the Chassezac on your left. After that, it's just paths and trails between mountain pastures and forest.

This is a long hike that follows the Baume, first along the ledge on its left bank, then high up on its right bank (Falaise de Lunel). The final section, after point (21) , requires a lot of attention as the path entrances are often somewhat hidden, but after (23), the view is magnificent. From (12), you are in the middle of the heath and it can get very hot. I recommend setting off at dawn and taking plenty of drinks with you.

Up to the entrance to the Bois des Dames, the route is much the same as this walk (there aren’t many options in the Bois de Roquelaure), but for the section through the Bois des Dames, I took different paths. The final stretch passes behind Emmaüs before reaching the Chartreuse des Dames and joining the Bois des Sablières.It’s a long, winding route, with hardly any tarmac and a significant elevation gain; whilst there are no major hills, there’s a succession of ascents and descents, which makes it more tiring . Very difficult in wet weather.Use ofthe Visorando app is strongly recommended.

Another route around the Coteau d’Elnes with very little tarmac. Crossing the Bois d’Esquerdes is even more enjoyable, and the long walk along the riverbank is most pleasant. Finally, the section through the hillside, especially in fine weather, is a real delight (even if it is a bit of a struggle!)

I’ve used part of a longer walk to create this short route, which is mainly on paths. It’s short and easy and, in fine weather, very pleasant.

This is a long walk in an urban area, but 90% of it is on paths. Start at the old bridge and its steps, then follow the Biette (a beautiful footbridge restored last year) to Ourton. Next, climb back up (unfortunately on the road) before descending to Beugin. Follow another bridge to the Divion Viaduct. There, a slightly tricky descent takes you back to the banks of the Lawe. Follow it first on the left bank, then on the right bank before following the bus route. And to finish in style, the Bois de la Volville, with a nice climb at the end.

Of course, these aren’t the highest slag heaps in the region, but the two slag heaps at Verquin have remained very wild, and on the one at Labourse there’s enough space and paths to vary the route. This figure-of-eight route can easily be split into two circular loops of 6 to 8 km. It’s a fairly complicated route, which I’ve described in as much detail as possible. Nevertheless, I recommend using the app, particularly on the slag heaps: the one at Labourse has a large number of paths and you can easily alter the route.

A long walk where you head up the Paillère valley through the woods before fording the stream. An easy climb then to reach the ridge at Col de Rabusat and return via the GR® trail, which offers beautiful views of the Paillère valley to the west and the Cèze valley to the east.Use of the app is strongly recommended.

A long route with significant elevation gain and some fairly difficult paths.The path between (3) and (4) is very difficult but can be avoided. It was passable in late September 2025 (dry season).There are a few road crossings, but with very little traffic.

A long, very shaded route where only the distance may pose a problem. The bulk of the climb is between points (7) and (10), but it is fairly steady. The route passes through the Laveyrune forest rather than via the abbey as it is less crowded, but it is easy to head down to Notre-Dame des Neiges and return via theGR®7.

Une randonnée proposée par le Parc Naturel des Cévennes. Le sens de la randonnée a été inversé pour éviter une fin de parcours en forte côte, et très chaude.

A short route, suitable for families, on decent paths with good signposting. A lovely apiary at Les Bouchets and superb views of the Monts de la Lozère. It’s (relatively) cool in the morning.You can enhance the walk with a meal at the little restaurant opposite the church (closed on Wednesdays).

A long route with little elevation gain. A succession of paths and small roads, culminating in a walk through the Bois d’Habarcq, which can be a bit muddy at times. A good third of the route is on tarmac roads, but they’re in poor condition (so there are few or no cars). There was a time when they used to tarmac everything and anything!

A long route around Bailleul, the only real challenge of which (especially in dry weather) is its length.After reaching Saint-Jans-Cappel via a farm track, you tackle Mont Noir (and it puts up a good fight!). You then set off along a route running along the border to reach the vicinity of Dranouter.A lovely descent through the fields, followed by a succession of paths and small roads, brings you to the Botanical Conservatory. All that remains is to make your way back to Bailleul, alternating between very narrow roads with badly damaged surfaces and footpaths. A lovely green space (the Bellekindt) allows you to bypass the cemetery, and the walk ends in the centre of Bailleul with its monuments. It’s best to choose a dry spell, otherwise you may encounter some muddy sections. This was the case this morning (5 March 2025: difficult sections at point (5), between (9) and (10), between (11) and (12), and after (23). Avoid the first weekend in August: the festival takes up part of the trails.

This is a short route with little elevation gain, mainly on paths and trails.A big advantage in hot weather is that the start is in the open, but the end of the route is very shady.

A very pleasant hike: lots of woodland, very few small roads and some beautiful clearings. A good half-day in the great outdoors. This hike can be combined with a stroll through the Palingbeek Estate for a route of about 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and Gasthuisbossen).

A lovely cool walk when it’s hot in the Palingbeek Estate, which is remarkably well-maintained considering we’re in Belgium.There are numerous paths on the site; I recommend using the app.For history buffs, there are plenty of information boards (in multiple languages!). Please note, it gets very busy at weekends. This walk can be combined with the Gasthuisbossen for a route of around 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and the Gasthuisbossen)

A challenging first part of the walk:- Long descent to the Borne valley.- Ascent along the left bank of the river with a tricky but well-maintained section.- Long climb up to the plateau.Then it's a "stroll" with a beautiful crossing of the granite chaos near La Borie.

A challenging route: the distance and elevation gain are significant. It’s a tough start with a 500-metre climb over the first 3 kilometres.Exceptional views from the Tour de Brison. Elsewhere, the scenery is less spectacular, but I really enjoy the succession of woodland, hamlets and streams.Very little tarmac and narrow, challenging paths that require you to be vigilant.

A challenging hike on often stony paths, but the scenery is well worth the effort and the signposting is excellent. The two old bridges – one over the Cèze, the other over the Homol – are magnificent, and the path running along the cliff edge above the Luech is very pleasant. Finally, there’s a climb for the fit, but it can be avoided.

After following the River Lys and passing near the Étangs de Crecques, you’ll cross through two woods before finishing the walk along the paths and small roads of the plain. A route without any major difficulties, apart from its length. Best undertaken in dry weather. In wet weather, the two woods are quite tricky and, this winter, the path between Glomenghem and Mametz was flooded (it was fine on 25 April 2024, but the ditches are full to the brim and are just waiting to overflow).

This is a short route without any major difficulties and is well marked (yellow and white from point2).The path is a little technical after the tombs but not really difficult.

A short hike with no major difficulties, but best avoided during hot weather. The elevation gain is low, and overall the paths are not too difficult and are often marked in yellow. It is possible to descend to the Cotepatière resurgence and back, preferably after rain, otherwise it is dry. I am providing the details of the "les résurgences" hike, which you walk along for a while.

A short walk that takes you past some of Aix-Noulette’s little lanes and through the woods. This area is quite busy, especially on Sundays.

Leave Ecques via the same route, then take a long, flat walk through the fields to reach Heuringhem. Continue across the moors of Blendecques, Rietz de l'Église and Bibrou before reaching Quiestède via Les Bruyères. Return via the Bois d'Ecques. The route is relatively flat, but there are a few wet areas (more depending on the weather). During hunting season, avoid Sundays, as some communal woods are rented to hunting clubs! Route modified and improved in September 2024 to avoid the D 190.

A patchwork of different routes in the area for a long hike that will delight your thighs.As for the mountains, like the Musketeers, there are four (or even five, I forgot the Baneberg near the mill), as you climb Mont Noir twice.In short, a nice climb in the Flat Country on numerous paths and a few small, quiet roads. It's a demanding route, because even between the mountains, there are plenty of small hills. But, as is often the case in Belgium, the trails are well maintained and constantly being improved.

The route is in a very urbanised area, but it is almost always on paths and it is pleasant to follow a river for so long.Apart from the length, it is not too difficult.For enthusiasts, there are numerous information panels, first between Agny and Wailly, then in Rivière. In the past, you used to see lots of deer at the start of the walk (near the "Le Marché à Dieu" woods), but I haven't seen any since the Rocade Sud was built.

A circular with varied landscapes that uses the beautiful paths created and maintained by the municipality of Gravières.This route is impossible in heavy rain as the Chassezac river can cover La Pontière. On 29 May 2024, there was quite a lot of water at La Pontière, but it was still possible to cross (I preferred to take my shoes off anyway). The weather forecast is looking better, so conditions should improve.

Three lovely climbs and a long stroll across the plateau make for a walk surrounded by nature. A very hilly first section, followed by a long stretch along the heights before descending to Reclinghem with magnificent views. The icing on the cake is an optional circular loop I suggest, which brings the total elevation gain to over 300 m.

I have tried to revive an old marked trail (and kept its name) which, like many in the area, has completely disappeared (the Somme CDRP seems rather ineffective and, moreover, is unreachable). It is a route with virtually no roads, but crossing the Forest of Lucheux is very difficult as many of the paths are badly damaged. Fortunately, the GR® markings are clear there. So, a difficult route, even very difficult after rain: in good condition on 19 April 2026, apart of course from the section through the forest where the ‘path’ is in a terrible state.

A previously signposted path has been restored. The Fontaines Bleues are very beautiful but have been completely neglected! It’s a route through unspoilt countryside, taking you through two woods. Bonus: you can start with the “Le Bois des Bouloies” walk. At point (7), by turning left, you’ll join this route (towards the hamlet of Les Tilleuls: point (3). The total distance should then be around 24 km.

Another way to approach Kemmel, this time from the east. There are some sections in common with the first hike, but the paths are taken in the opposite direction, which allows you to enjoy them in a different way. And we can thank our Belgian neighbours for the quantity and quality of the trails they offer us.

Peu de goudron sur ce parcours qui permet d'arpenter les chemins du Bois des Bruyères et de faire le tour du Terril de Pinchonvalles. J'ai dû changer le départ car le beau chemin qui partait à gauche dans la Rue de l'Église est pour le moment (???) en chantier : nouveau lotissement en construction. Malgré toutes les promesses, on continue à bétonner les villes. Prions Ste Godasse et St Croquenot pour que ce chemin réapparaisse après les travaux.