Berlare walks

In the heart of East Flanders, where the Scheldt river stretches out its peaceful arms, lies a land of water, woods and mysteries: Berlare Broek, Nieuwdonk, Maaidonk... names that whisper of nature and legends. Around the Donkmeer, a vast mirror of water, paths wind their way between wet meadows and old willow trees. Herons, kingfishers and deer remind us of the richness of unspoilt nature. Berlare Broek, a former peat bog, preserves the memory of a past when peat was extracted, before the water reclaimed its kingdom. Further on, Uitbergen Castle watches over the valley, and it is said that a white lady appears there on certain foggy evenings. Finally, between Paardenweide and Donhoeverpark, the Flanders of yesteryear reveals itself: a light breeze, reflections on the water and soothing silence.

On the itinerary: Asse Ter Heide, Leibeek, Kravaalbos, Kleigat, Herenbos, Meisberg and Meldert. The Kravaalbos, one of the oldest woodlands in the region, will immerse us in a wild atmosphere with its ancient oaks and sunken paths. Once vast, this forest was already used as a hunting ground in the Middle Ages. All along the route, several streams wind through valleys rich in biodiversity, amidst ferns, mosses, willows and alders. The region’s gentle terrain conceals a geological history dating back millions of years, comprising clay, silt and sand. Set amongst woods, the Flemish countryside, old farmhouses and sunken lanes, this walk promises nature, tranquillity and beautiful views.

A day-long walk along the Scheldt, taking the ferry at Sint-Amands. The walk starts at the church in Puurs, with parking available. The path is completely flat and away from the road network. It’s a relaxing day out that’s perfect for the whole family.

Around De Pinte, the walk takes you through a setting where history and nature complement each other. The Parkbos alternates between young forests, bright meadows and the wet valley of the Rosdambeek, which sometimes overflows between the tree trunks. Further on, the Grand Noble Estate, once linked to St Peter's Abbey, reveals its noble avenues and neoclassical castle, while ancient names such as Nazarethbeek and Rosdam recall farms and hamlets that have disappeared.Heading towards Scheldevelde, you enter an ancient medieval estate marked by the Seven Dreven, star-shaped avenues that lend a solemn charm when the light filters through the beech and oak trees. Alders, willows, flower-filled meadows and dotterbloemen line the waters, while frogs, newts, robins and woodpeckers bring the 'poëls' to life. A hike through changing landscapes, between tranquil nature, aristocratic heritage and little touches of legend.

If you are passing near Hulst, don't hesitate to stop off for a short, healthy walk along the old ramparts and a stroll through the town centre along the inner canal and the Grote Markt.

This walk is not difficult and mostly follows the course of the Molenbeek, allowing you to discover King Baudouin Park, the Ganshoren marsh, Laerbeek Wood, the Jette marsh and Dieleghem Wood.

The route passes Château Bonaventure, then follows the valleys of the Molenbeek and Zijpbeek, once vital to the local mills. The walk crosses King Baudouin Park, the Ganshoren marsh and the Laerbeek and Poelbos woods, rich in wildlife and typical of Brabant landscapes. The unassuming Poelbosbeek further contributes to this natural ecosystem. The Heymbos and Dielegem woods are a reminder of the former presence of the medieval abbey. Further on, the Atomium comes into view, the iconic symbol of Expo ’58, before the route passes through the Royal Domain of Laeken. This is a walk combining nature, history and Brussels’ heritage.

This walk will allow you to discover several relatively or even totally unknown green spaces in the north of Brussels: Laeken Park, Osseghem Park, the Fleuriste Gardens and the Colonial Park.

Hike in the western outskirts of the municipality of Anderlecht (near Brussels). The route allows you to discover little-known aspects of this municipality in the vicinity of the hamlet of Neerpede, along the Neerpedebeek stream.

A lovely walk from the city to the countryside. An easy walk, mainly on roads but also along beautiful paths and lanes lined with magnificent houses. On the way back, you pass a very attractive shopping and leisure centre.

Walk through the Val du Bois des Béguines, starting from Rue Wimpelberg. A short circular route suitable for a walk with young children, which can be used for a treasure hunt or birthday party activity.

A cross-border walk between East Flanders and Hainaut. This route takes in a varied landscape, mainly rural, but also featuring hedgerows and woodland. The terrain remains gentle in this undulating region.

Completely different from the destinations and landscapes of our usual hikes, this walk takes you on a discovery of the western branch of the Scheldt estuary and the polders in the south of Zeeland.Specially designed to avoid crowds and stay away from towns, we did it on a weekday outside of school holidays.A beautiful sunny day and a steady but not excessive wind made it a wonderful and exotic discovery.

A flat route along the canal to Fauquez. Then the terrain becomes hilly with a steep climb at Charly-des-bois through the Bois de la Houssière. Then the descent begins towards Tubize town centre, and the route remains flat until the return.

A walk between the town and green spaces in the upper part of the municipality of Forest. The route passes through Duden Park, the Messidor garden city, Carré Tillens, the Altitude 100 church and Forest Park, among other places.

Jogging or leisurely stroll to explore Forest and Duden Parks with beautiful gentle slopes. This is a short urban route but entirely on natural terrain, with one roundabout with cars to cross between Forest Park and Duden Park on the way there and back. You can park in the dedicated parking spaces on Avenue des Villas.

Discover the banks of the Bovenschelde, in the heart of the beautiful De Donk site, where water and land still tell their ancient stories. Here, geology and landscape come together to offer an authentic and peaceful natural environment.

Tucked away in the lush Mark Valley lies Belgium’s only bi-communal nature reserve: the Rietbeemd or Prés Rosières. This 80-hectare reserve is a designated Natura 2000 site, part of which is designated as a quiet zone.

A route that starts at the Abbaye de la Cambre and ends at the Hôtel Hannon, passing by the Ixelles Ponds, the Sterner Workshop, the Hôtel Max Hallet, the Hôtel Solvay, the Hôtel Tassel, the Hôtel Otlet, Rue de Livourne and back, the Trinity Church, the Horta Museum, Rue Américaine and the Hannon Hotel to Avenue Brugmann.

This route allows you to explore some of the many green spaces in the municipalities of Woluwé-Saint-Lambert and Woluwé-Saint-Pierre.It passes through, amongst others, Georges-Henri Park, Malou Park and Woluwe Park, as well as lesser-known green spaces such as Schuman Park and the Franciscan Garden, and follows paths running alongside the Woluwe, the river that gives its name to both municipalities.

The walk passes through Kinsendael Park, Buysdelle Woods, the Artists' Valley, Shaveys Park, Verrewinkel Woods, Fond Roy Park, the Avijl plateau, Kauwberg and Sauvagère Park. Return to the starting point via Kriekenput.

Ride starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing by the Château de l'Estriverie and the Bois-de-Lessines woods. Some trails are suitable for galloping. The route can be explored on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Ride starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing through the Bois-de-Lessines woods. Some of the trails are suitable for galloping. Outing to be done on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Walk starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing through the Ravel in Ollignies, the Château de l'Estriverie and the Bois de Bois-de-Lessines. This route can be enjoyed on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Walk starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing through the centre of Bassilly, Silly station, the Écurie du Souhait stables in Silly, the centre of St-Marcoult and the woods of St-Marcoult. This route can be enjoyed on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Walk starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing through various dirt tracks in Biévène. The route does not pass through the centre of Biévène, but it is possible to get there by taking a short detour of 5 to 10 minutes. This route can be enjoyed on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Ride starting from the Basse Couture stud farm in Bois-de-Lessines, passing through some of the villages in Biévène. Route is entirely on tarmac. No galloping on trails. The route can be explored on horseback, by bike or on foot.

Adeps 5 km walk in Flobecq🍀 Paths and quiet country lanes, easy route, no uphill sections A few benches along the way to rest Various animals add to the scenery (donkeys, cows, horses, sheep) 😊

Cycling tour (gravel/hybrid/mountain bike) starting from Auderghem, through the Sonian Forest. The route crosses the magnificent Tournay-Solvay Park, follows part of the tracks of the former Boitsfort racecourse and reaches the Rouge Cloître site by crossing the Sonian Forest.

Linkebeek is one of the municipalities on the outskirts of Brussels. This walk takes in unspoilt landscapes, despite being close to the capital. These consist of woods, fields, meadows, parks, ponds and a small stream: the Linkebeek, which you follow for part of this walk.

The main route starts at Prince d'Orange and enters the Sonian Forest. Then head towards Boitsfort and the Ponds of the Drowned Children. The path then joins Hermite Pond before returning to Prince d'Orange.

Welcome to Lembeek, where nature and history intertwine at every turn. The Kasteelpark, the former castle grounds, offers a romantic19th-century atmosphere. Nearby, the Malakoff Tower (1854), built as a folly, served as a viewpoint over the valley. The Zenne and its tributaries (Vijverbeek, Maasdalbeek, Mollebeek) shape a wetland landscape that was once ideal for mills. It is a varied walk through water, woods, history and legends.

Here is the route for a beautiful walk around Ellezelles (Picardy Wallonia). This circuit will take you to the heights of this locality, renowned for being a hotbed of witches. Capital of the Pays des Collines, it is particularly attractive to walkers for the quality of its paths and trails and its landscapes.The hike is located west of Ellezelles and passes through farmland. Please note that the witches and works of art are not on this circuit, but on the Sentier de l'étrange (Path of Strangeness), which follows another route marked with this name, east of Ellezelles

Discover the Sonian Forest, south of Brussels, by exploring its paths and avenues.

A 5 km walk through the countryside of Tubize - Saintes, passing through the W estate. You’ll be surrounded by nature and peaceful spots amidst the fields. Come and walk for a good cause

A 15 km walk through the countryside of Tubize and Saintes, passing through the Quenast woods and along several footpaths. You’ll be surrounded by nature and peaceful spots amidst the fields.

A 10 km walk through the countryside of Tubize and Saintes, passing through the Quenast woods and along several footpaths. You’ll find yourself surrounded by nature and peaceful spots amidst the fields.

Welcome to this new walking route, located in the surroundings of Tubize. This route is located in the heart of the countryside between Saintes, Tubize and Quenast.  A beautiful walk to enjoy with friends and family... surrounded by fields, horses and farms... The walk is easy and pleasant, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air in the heart of the town of Betchards.

A 20 km walk through the countryside of Tubize and Saintes, passing through the Quenast woods, the Coeurq ponds and along several footpaths. You will be surrounded by nature and peaceful surroundings.

This hike takes you on a journey of discovery through a secret corner of the Pays des Collines, where water, stone and legends come together in an enchanting setting.Follow the Tordoir stream, between meadows and ancient paths, towards Le Quesnoit, Marloyau and the Ferme de Cambroncheau, witnesses to a rural past that is still alive today.At the Philosopher's Cross, nature invites you to be silent: it is said that a wise man meditated here, or that a pilgrim found peace here.The Ronsart stream will then lead you to the mysterious Lanterne, where a strange flame is said to shine from time to time.Hubermont and Montagne Taverne reveal the geology of the area: sand, silt and iron-rich stones are home to rare flora and discreet fauna.The return via the Étrange trail concludes this walk through nature and mystery.

A splendid piece of nature to discover near the capital, straddling the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant. Half countryside, half forest, the walk is only semi-urban around km 5, along the railway line, and between km 9 and 10 in a residential area on either side of the Ermite crossroads.

A lovely little walk around the enchanting Sept Fontaines ponds between Rhode-Saint-Genèse and Braine l'Alleud. It also takes you off the beaten track through the surrounding countryside and forests.

The Bois de Hal is renowned for the magnificent carpets of hyacinths that decorate the undergrowth in spring, usually from mid-April to early May.The hyacinths are preceded by anemones and followed in some places by wild garlic.With a little luck and, above all, a lot of patience, you may be able to spot a deer or two grazing or frolicking a little further away, in the undergrowth away from the paths.

This third stage links two small villages in northern Hainaut: Ghislenghien and Coqueréaumont. It passes through Ath, where there are sports shops. This walk allows you to discover the two Dendre rivers, the eastern one flowing into the western one within the town, and to walk along the Way of St James. The route then heads back into the countryside, which is very hilly, heading westwards.

Here is a unique route that takes in some of the less-visited corners of the Pays des Collines Nature Reserve and ventures into the hills between Ellezelles and Flobecq. It offers the chance to visit the nature reserve’s eco-museum and two beautiful churches, those of Flobecq and Wodecq.

Set off along the paths, trails and beautiful forest lanes to explore the Bois de Ligne and the Saint-Marcoult scrubland, and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of Wallonia Picarde.This hike follows the start and end of the beautiful circular Boucle à Silly hike in the Mauvinage district.It is, in a way, a longer version that will allow you to discover the Bois de Ligne, the Bois d'Enghien and the Maquis de Saint-Marcoult.

A splendid walk in the Bois de Hal, famous for its carpets of wild hyacinths in April, but let’s not forget the anemones that bloom a little earlier. This circular walk of around 6 km follows the paths and trails of the "Reebokwandeling" and the "hyacintenwandeling", two signposted walks featured on the official Bois de Halle website (see practical information).

The Bois de Hal is particularly renowned for its carpets of hyacinths.Walking along its paths in another season and combining the forest with the surrounding countryside is the essence of this walk.

The walk, which starts at the old Rognon station, takes you through the surrounding countryside and, at the end, follows just over two kilometres of the old line 123.Straddling the provinces of Walloon Brabant and Hainaut, the main features are a gently undulating landscape, fairly distant villages and, between them, a habitat that is both omnipresent and very scattered: numerous private dwellings and isolated farms or small hamlets.

A 5 km circular route, largely shaded, in and around the pretty and very peaceful Kwadebeek Valley (which is a ‘natuurpunt’ in Rhode-Saint-Genèse). No traffic noise (what a joy!) but plenty of birdsong in spring.

A very beautiful and varied route, set against the backdrop of the Sonian Forest.

A beautiful little hike, mainly on trails interspersed with a few short stretches on quiet roads, offering beautiful panoramic views and some magnificent trees. You may be lucky enough to spot a deer or two, a fox or a badger as you pass through one of the shady corners of the walk. Take the time to soak up the serenity of the undergrowth and stop at the foot of the remarkable trees.

Set off to explore a walk through fields, woods and orchards in the countryside around Rhode-Saint-Genèse. This walk takes in the communal orchard, which has been laid out in a fun and original way, views over small valleys, walks through meadows among cows and horses, and remarkable trees.

This walk is an extension of walk no. 82622036 (no. 357) "On the heights of Braine-le-Château". It extends from 5.5 km to 11.5 km and takes you through part of the Bois de Hal to admire the carpets of flowers, including blue hyacinths in spring.

A circular walk in and around the lovely little Ermitage nature reserve (managed by Natagora), a haven of nature and tranquillity between Braine-le-Château and Ittre. The walk features several information boards.

Village lanes and footpaths starting from the Maison du Parc du Pays des Collines. Very quiet village roads where you’ll come across various animals (cows, meadows with magnificent horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, etc.). Dogs must be kept on a lead, except on the footpaths (watch out for cats, which are often found on the footpaths in this area).

Walk along the quiet paths of Château de la Hulpe. Starting from the car park on Drève de la Ramée (Gaillemarde), stroll along peaceful forest paths far from the hustle and bustle. Take the time to listen to the birds singing and admire the beautiful vegetation.

After a trip to the Sonian Forest, Miss Kika will show you around the Solvay Estate and its "Moulinsart-style" castle. Perhaps you'll bump into Professor Calculus? However, there's no chance of seeing Captain Haddock, as the park's many lakes are for freshwater sailors only!

A very pretty 1½-hour circular route along quiet paths in the Sonian Forest, near the Folon Foundation and La Hulpe Castle. Absolutely peaceful for two-thirds of the route, though the section near the ring road is inevitably noisier. Relaxing and pleasant in all seasons. Particularly lovely when the wild garlic is in bloom. You may see and hear many birds.

The Solvay Estate was built on land that was once part of the Sonian Forest. It owes its name to Ernest Solvay, an industrialist who invented a new process for manufacturing soda ash (used in glassmaking and metallurgy). In 1893, he acquired the estate to use as his second home. The Solvay Estate includes a beautiful château. In 1968, Ernest Solvay's grandson, Ernest-John Solvay, donated the estate to the state.

Starting from the pleasant little square in Ittre, a small path quickly leads to unusual places so close to the town. Then there are vast landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, followed by a pleasant walk through the Bois du Chapitre forest as you continue on your way. This is how this circular route is constructed, with a few streets here and there connecting the paths that take precedence here. And, as the icing on the cake, you pass by the Brussels-Charleroi Canal, discover lock no. 5 and the Ittre marina, and, before setting off again, stroll through the narrow streets of Ittre.

In the heart of Walloon Brabant, Ittre reveals a landscape of deep forests and secret valleys. The Bois des Frères, Bois du Bailli and Bois du Chapitre offer a refuge for wildlife. Le Bilot and La Baraque l'Hermitage combine ancient stones and peaceful clearings.Around Braine-le-Château, the heritage tells the story: medieval castle, Ferme Sainte-Croix and villages with evocative names such as Derrière les Monts or Le Cheval Blanc. Local legends still tell of white horses crossing the woods at dusk.The paths wind between hills and meadows, on sandy and clay soils. Heather, holly and oak trees make up a typical Brabant landscape. Mixed forests, wet meadows, orchids, ferns, deer and rare birds punctuate the walk. Between nature, history and legends, Ittre invites you to immerse yourself peacefully in the memory of the woods.

A circular route almost entirely through the countryside, starting from the centre of Ittre and ending at the Château de la Tournette golf course. Along the way, the Ravel cycle path runs alongside the Ri Ternel river, taking in the sweeping agricultural landscapes on the heights of Haut-Ittre – with, among other things, its beautiful hedgerows allowing nature to flourish – and crossing the golf course, all in an atmosphere of calm and serenity.

On this easy walk, which is mainly on hard-surfaced paths, you will discover a fine feat of engineering, one of many in the region, symbolising both the economic vitality of this area and human ingenuity in overcoming natural obstacles.

Starting from the Étangs du Paradis, here is a circular route to discover the rural side of Braine-l'Alleud towards Ophain-Bois-Seigneur-Isaac. Les Hayettes, Village No. 1, the ponds and the new swimming pool in Braine are dotted along a very varied route.

A lovely 4 km circular route around the Royal Golf Club of Waterloo, starting from the charming Place de Ransbeck. This route is a slightly longer version of the walk entitled ‘A short walk in Ransbeck’, with the difference that this route passes by the Chapelle Jacques.

This short walk takes you through the countryside to the bleak plain of Waterloo and its magnificent golf course, where golf enthusiasts have long since replaced Napoleon's armies.

For once, here is a long 27 km circular hike through the rolling countryside of this corner of Walloon Brabant. Starting from the Butte du Lion - site 1815 - it first crosses the town of Braine-l'Alleud before returning to the countryside, which the hike hardly leaves until it returns to the foot of the Butte du Lion.

This is a magnificent walk that can be enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike. It takes place almost entirely in the beautiful countryside of Walloon Brabant, amongst fields, meadows and woodland. The surfaces vary: tarmac, old cobblestones, farm tracks and footpaths. In autumn, pheasants are everywhere and you may be lucky enough to spot a herd of does emerging from beneath the trees at the edge of a wood to feed on fresh grass in a meadow.

Here is a long and challenging circular route, with numerous ascents and descents, through woodland or open countryside, taking in tarmac roads, cobbled streets, gravel paths, dirt tracks and sandy terrain. All this whilst avoiding built-up areas as much as possible and staying in the countryside.

Starting from the 1815 site, this first stage of my tour of Wallonia connects two towns named Braine – Braine-l’Alleud and Braine-le-Comte – whilst prioritising routes away from towns and villages as much as possible. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are farm tracks or footpaths. Where possible, yes; otherwise, mostly small country roads.

Here is a circular walk allowing you to discover the beautiful spots of the Lasne - Couture-Saint-Germain area, sometimes completely surrounded by nature, sometimes passing through the pretty neighbourhoods of this area. It involves a lot of ups and downs: the walk is in the "Brabant double 'v'allon" and the views are superb.

A very beautiful circular walk with varied landscapes. As there are not many shaded areas, this walk is best avoided when it is hot and the sun is beating down. Magnificent in autumn, also nice in winter, but you can hear the N5 more as the trees are bare.

Starting from the charming Place de Plancenoit, this circular route takes you on a journey of discovery through the landscapes of Walloon Brabant, across fields and through woods. Most of the paths are natural, whilst others have been developed. Pleasant surprises await walkers, despite a 2 km stretch along the roadside as there are no connecting paths at this point. Sturdy walking boots may be useful, especially if it has rained in the days leading up to your walk. The route is not recommended for pushchairs or people with reduced mobility (narrow, sometimes muddy paths; crossing a field).

Starting from the historic site of "Napoleon's last headquarters", this walk will introduce you to a region that is too often overlooked. You will take a quiet road, a dirt track and then paths over a small river before climbing up to a road that you will quickly cross to find another path at the bottom of the garden... And there you are in the centre of Plancenoit for a short while. Very quickly, your steps will take you back to crossroads combining tarmac (a little) and natural ground to cross the river again, then pastures and a historic farm, ending up on a very, very quiet road.