Ancien canal de Charleroi-Bruxelles walks

An easy walk through the pretty region of Arquennes, along paths, country lanes, woodland edges and the Ravel cycle route, returning along the Charleroi/Brussels canal. The route is almost entirely car-free.

Here is a pleasant circular route mainly along the water’s edge with an unusual point of interest. To explore it properly, bring a torch. You’ll be able to see inside the Godarville boat tunnel, though without actually entering it. Those with a keen eye will spot here and there remnants of times gone by, such as landing stages, bollards or mooring posts, and a variety of birds, including cormorants.

This easy walk follows the Canal du Centre and the old canal for the most part, before crossing the countryside to reach the top of the Ronquières inclined plane, which is used to transfer boats. This ‘lift’ overcomes a 68-metre difference in height over a distance of 1,432 metres.

This region is criss-crossed by canals, some very modern ones having replaced the old canals, a section of which we follow on this easy walk that takes us past some of the locks dotting the route.The locks that can be seen during this walk have been out of use since 1958. Since then, the lock gates have been removed and artificial waterfalls have been created on the downstream side. And this is the result that can be seen today.

A route where every step reveals a fragment of history. At Les Onze Bonniers, the mist floats like a memory. The streams of Pont à Mousson and Les Corbeaux whisper their legends — it is said that crows guided travellers. In the Bois de l'Hôpital, du Planti and d'en Bas, you will find elusive chamois, ancient herbs and secret springs. The Brussels–Charleroi canal unfurls its memories of barges and towpaths. La Gratière, La Thines and Hiernoulet offer golden light and dragonflies. There are also the Fermes de la Barette, de l'Abbaye and du Seigneur, guardians of the fields. At the Caverne du Philosophe, silence becomes history. Villages such as Ronquières, Chenu and Bornival are as gentle as an old book.A hike that whispers its secrets.