Forest loop in the heart of the Ardennes via Samrée

(S/E) From the car park/pond at "Diable Château", follow the route exactly and stick to the authorised paths. Do not take the numerous paths and tracks that are closed to the public, either because they are private or to preserve the peace and quiet of the wildlife.

(3) Borzée is a hamlet with a few year-round residents.
A "nature centre" was built there in the last century to welcome groups of young people and offer them a holiday in the countryside. Abandoned due to dilapidation, this "nature centre" has been demolished and will gradually be replaced by a (large) holiday village (2023+).

(4) The route crosses the Ruisseau de la Mère. The footbridge has collapsed (info 2025). If the ford is impassable on foot, you will need to retrace your steps, take the other footbridge slightly upstream and turn right immediately. There appears to be a trail on the left bank that allows you to rejoin the main route just after the ford.

(7) After crossing the Ruisseau de l'Ermitage and following it for about 300 metres (wet path, beaver dams), the route climbs the hill on the left. Be careful, the path is very steep, rarely used and therefore difficult to see. Aim for the upper right corner of the clearing/wasteland where the path continues through the undergrowth until it joins a wider path, which you should take to the left.

(8) Samrée: after the church and school, stop for a moment to admire the sculptures and decorations in the garden of the house on the corner of the streets.

Picnic table only at the edge of the pond at the starting point. Nothing else seen elsewhere. No benches.

Crêperie "Le Clos René" and small grocery store in Borzée. No shops along the route in Samrée.

If the car park at the starting point is inaccessible due to bad weather (snow, ice, etc.), you can start the loop from the car park in front of the school/church in Samrée or from the car park at the foot of the holiday village in Borzée.

La Roche-en-Ardenne

The Fraiture hut