Bertrix walks

A short walk through Bertrix, passing a restored former water tower, with views of Bertrix and the arboretum.

Route on one of the slopes of the Semois, from Bertrix to Cugnon, from the Château des Fées to the Point de Vue de La Mergire, from the Moulin de Cugnon to the Old Cemetery of Mortehan, returning via the old Bertrix-Herbeumont railway line, now the RAVeL and Route des Pierres qui Parlent.

This hike takes you on a journey of discovery through the rural and forested Ardennes east of Bertrix, completely off the beaten track. Apart from the surroundings of the Herbeumont slate quarry and a few crossings of main roads and the Bertrix-Athus railway line, used mainly for freight transport, it is completely peaceful and surrounded by nature. Don't miss the two castles in Biourge... go and admire them from the driveway of the first and through the porch of the second.

Set off to explore the Château des Fées, a rocky outcrop secured by a few low stone walls, as well as the Bertrix Arboretum, where you can discover numerous specimens of trees from all corners of the world.This beautiful, exclusively woodland walk, which is very quiet, should be considered difficult not only because of its cumulative elevation gain but also due to a few sections on steeply sloping paths or paths that are virtually non-existent on the ground. It’s not the Alps or the Vosges... just Wallonia on the Semois side!

Passing by La Potale and the Chapel of Saint Barbara, patron saint of slate miners, set off to discover the remains of the Hermitage of Saint Bernard of Bertrix, starting from La Roche aux Corbeaux in Herbeumont. Along the way, look out for the various slate quarries known as La Côte de Champion, La Goutelle Husson and Linglé.

From Château Pierlot, you will visit the Grotte Saint Remacle via the Thibeauroche viewpoint and the bridge. With a little extra climbing, you will reach the Croix viewpoint overlooking the entire valley. The return journey will be along a short section of neglected paths, ending at the Prompt Secours Chapel and the Mergyre viewpoint.

From Château d’Herbeumont, set off via the Herbeumont Viaduct into the Bois de Conques, home to the Grotte des Moines and the 17th-century Redoute des Mauleus. Follow the Semois river, discover the Castelain viewpoint, and return via the Bois de Sainte-Cécile and the Libaipire viewpoint overlooking the Tombeau du Chevalier and Herbeumont Castle.

The great classic in Herbeumont. Circular starting from Herbeumont Castle (easy parking). Several passages along the Semois

A lovely walk along the Semois on a wooded path with little elevation gain except for a short but steep climb at the end on a narrow path to return to the starting point.

English farmers proclaim “No farmer, no food” ... and they’re probably quite right.This circular Chester loop shows just how important agriculture and forestry are to the region.Here there are few horses in the meadows but almost exclusively calves, cows and sheep grazing, with the occasional cereal crop here and there, all interspersed with woodlands consisting mainly of oak, beech and spruce!The Ardennes of yesteryear? Undoubtedly... but what a joy it is to still be able to enjoy it!Just outside Grandvoir, the Bois des Bois estate has recently been completely renovated and is a haven for nature-friendly tourism.Pure bliss!

This region of the southern Ardennes is particularly active in forestry: the small village of Jéhonville alone has two sawmills. The forest is omnipresent, even though the route crosses a few areas of pasture and crops. The hike is a free combination of sections of local walking trails, GR® trails, the "Between Lesse and Lomme" route that circles the municipality of Libin, and unmarked but publicly accessible paths. The route crosses a didactic route called "Sur les traces de 14-18" (In the footsteps of 14-18) and passes through the Vieille Rochette Nature Reserve. You may or may not like the unusual shape of the bell tower of the church in Jéhonville.

This second section runs along the eastern boundary of the municipality of Libin. After a night at the Bané campsite, explore the Anciennes Troufferies Nature Reserve and the Noire Eau valley as it joins the Lomme, before finishing at the former kaolin quarry in Libin.

Roche Levée, Saut des Sorcières, Mont Zatrou viewpoint, Roche Percée: these are just some of the places you will discover on this hike.

A complete and accessible hike in the heart of Les Épioux. From the car park, you descend towards the Semois to follow the river along an almost flat section. The route then alternates between quiet roads, forest paths and beautiful climbs, notably towards the Château des Épioux and the wooded heights. You descend towards the Semois through the trees, following increasingly mossy streams, before reaching the Vanne des Moines and climbing towards the Roche du Chat.

Hike in the Épioux region, above Chassepierre, between Chassepierre and Herbeumont. The route follows the Semois for much of the way, through sun-dappled forests, peaceful riverbanks and secluded footpaths. With its significant elevation gain, the route alternates between steep climbs and gentler sections, offering beautiful views of the valley. You’ll also come across a few unusual sculptures along the way, which add an artistic touch to this immersion in nature.

From the Roche du Chat viewpoint via the Vanne des Moines, a short forest trail starting from Les Epioux.

Discover the rocky outcrops of the Rocher du Saltire, and perhaps its heather depending on the season, as well as the view over the Semois from Le Castelain.

Explore the forest to discover the Roche Perette and then the Rocher du Chat viewpoint, follow the Semois twice and finish at the château and the Épioux pond.

This is the perfect walk if you want to enjoy the snow, when there is any, whilst travelling by train.The walk starts and finishes at Libramont station, in the Ardennes.This 8 km walk presents no major difficulties; its sole purpose is to take your mind off things without the hassle of a car.