Braine-l'Alleud walks

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The tour is suitable for Nordic walking, despite a few short stretches on asphalt on small country roads and some cobblestones. Ohain is renowned for its agriculture and the diversity and beauty of its landscape. Several rivers run through the municipality, such as the Lasne (a tributary of the Dyle) and a few streams, including the Ohain.

This walk will help you discover Ohain. Miss Kika will take you along small paths, trails and lanes, crossing the golf course towards the Smohain valley, which you will follow for most of the walk. Together with the Lasne river, into which it flows, it gives the village its relief, while the numerous ponds attract many species of birds. The variety of landscapes, horses and numerous marked trails are what make this town so charming.

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!

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.

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.

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.

A 24 km circular between wide forest paths and more technical sections. In short, two hours of pure joy in the heart of nature!  The route starts at the town hall in Hoeilaart and passes through Groenendaal. It is very well marked with the blue mountain bike logo.