Ciney walks

A circular route through the Leignon countryside, passing through the Pachis Nature Reserve, the village and then the Bois de la Croix.

A simple but very beautiful region that conceals treasures in the valley of flavours. The Hamois region is a treasure trove of architectural, natural and historical riches: castles, mills and barns, with traces of the past along the Bocq, which has its source in the heart of the village of Scy. But above all, it is a little paradise where it is good to stop for a while. Partly corresponds to the Red Rectangle trail, in the opposite direction at the start and abandoned at the end.

This beautiful walk in the Namur Condroz region takes you to the source of the Bocq river, which flows like a fountain through the surrounding wall of the Château de Scy estate. Although the estate is private, you can see the rear façade, the park and the magnificent tree-lined avenue.

Straddling the municipalities of Hamois and Havelange, the magnificent Bois de Porcheresse is mainly populated by deciduous trees that display their most beautiful colours in autumn. The hike alternates between country lanes and forest paths.

A hike in the Condroz region, starting from the small village of Foy-Notre-Dame on a rolling plateau with pleasant trails, including the Chemin des Pèlerins with its shrines.

In May, the driveway to Château de Ramezée is even more beautiful than usual thanks to the impressive array of colours provided by the numerous majestic rhododendrons in bloom.It is a magical place that you will never tire of!

This walk takes place in the Bocq valley between Spontin and Purnode. It takes you through woods and countryside to the villages of Durnal and Dorinne. Views of the river, the forest and the hills, now increasingly 'decorated' with wind turbines.

Set off to discover the few "visible" castles during a hike that is mainly through forest in the beautiful valleys of the Namur Condroz.

A hike with a slight elevation gain, mostly on passable paths. The route is perfectly feasible with children, but not with pushchairs. Only the first 800 metres are on the road, after which there are only paths reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and possibly horse riders.

A magnificent, airy forest where, with a bit of luck, you may see a deer or two frolicking.The view opens up and offers countryside landscapes as you approach the villages of Frandeux, Laloux, Briquemont and Éprave.

Starting from the beautiful Château de Vêves, set off to explore the meanders of the Lesse and visit the magnificent villages of Furfooz and Celles (selected as among the most beautiful villages in Wallonia).

Between Gendron, Furfooz and Chaleux, this hike plunges into the heart of the Lesse valley, between limestone cliffs, deep forests and villages steeped in history. The river has carved out spectacular rocks such as the Roche du Curé and the Aiguilles de Chaleux, offering superb views. The route passes through unspoilt woods, rich in flora and fauna, and runs alongside the Lesse and the Forges stream, a reminder of the local industrial past. Perched castles, including Walzin and Vêves, and the Roman remains of Furfooz complete this landscape where nature and heritage complement each other.

While Houyet and the surrounding area are well known for the Lesse and kayaking (in season) on this iconic Walloon river, the charm of the surrounding countryside and forests also make it an excellent place for hiking. This circular route takes you around Hour, one of the villages in the area, and offers beautiful panoramic views of the entire region from the heights.

Set off to explore this circular forest and countryside route starting from Houyet. Follow the Lesse river and then climb up to the heights to discover Celles, a village in the Namur Condroz region, and its collegiate church. Return via the Bois du Mauvais Mont and the Golf du Château Royal d'Ardenne.

Follow in the footsteps of the Belgian royal family on this walk around Villers-sur-Lesse. Located on the Royal Donation estate (former royal properties), this circular takes you on a tour of various buildings: Villers Royal Farm, Villa Léopold, House of the Counts of Cunchy, Villers-sur-Lesse Castle, Ciergnon Castle, Queen Astrid Chapel. You will also have the opportunity to observe the typical landscapes of Famenne: fields, grasslands, forests and hills.

Starting from Gendron-Celles station, this is a beautiful hike, mostly along the water's edge, mainly on paths and trails, with a few sections on roads when crossing villages. On the first part, mainly between points (3) and (4), ladders and steps allow you to stay as close as possible to the Lesse, and the second part, between points (4) and (10), offers a different way to discover the Lesse, which has remained very wild, and breathtaking views. This route is a combination of various local routes andGR® trails that run along the lower Lesse. The circular can easily be split up to reduce the distance or avoid certain difficulties; see the practical information. An excellent walk to prepare for more technical hikes. Please note: with regard to accessibility, please read the practical information carefully before setting off.

Impromptu walk in the Havelange region of the Condroz.Easy, no significant elevation changes.Easy access and parking in front of Miécret church.Very easy access for bicycles, but mountain bikes are recommended.

A pleasant, quiet and secluded setting. The route, which is often through woodland, is ideal for observing wildlife and remarkable trees, including an old oak and a sequoia. There are several interesting viewpoints. This is a variation of a local walk called 'du Chêne au Gibet' (from the oak tree to the gallows). The route also follows part ofthe GR®575. In the beautiful region marking the boundary between the Condroz and the Famenne, you can enjoy a superb forest walk with beautiful views.

Interestingly, it was in Petite Hour, a hamlet in the village of Hour, that Louis Marion, the oldest man Belgium has ever known, was born in 1893. After spending his entire life in the village, he died there at the age of 110. It was also from Hour that Max Cosyns, assistant to Professor Picard, took off in 1934 in his stratospheric balloon, landing 1,800 km away in Ljubljana, in the former Yugoslavia.

A short walk through fields and woods starting from the centre of Rochefort. After crossing the Lomme twice, a climb through the woods leads to the Lorette Chapel. The route then continues through fields and housing estates and climbs through the woods on the Tier des Falizes to the Rond-Point du Roi. Here you will find a viewpoint overlooking the town and its surroundings. The walk ends with a descent through the woods to the town centre.

Parking at the start. Descent towards Bauche in the shade. At Bauche, follow Chansin then climb back up towards Durnal at the crossroads near the barriers. The climb is long but the surface is more pleasant and flatter than on the descent.

A magnificent circular that takes you through unspoilt woods, starting from Éprave and connecting Briquemont, Ciergnon and Jamblinne, for experienced walkers. In Briquemont, take the path that climbs up to the farm next to the remains of a bus stop, continuing straight ahead until you reach the road, which you cross. Then continue straight ahead until you reach Ciergnon.

After approximately 960 metres, the slope is steep, then reasonably uphill for about 2.3 kilometres.From there, it is all downhill until the last 200 metres.Very steep descent at around 4 kilometres, with a chain provided as a handrail.Start and finish at the same place. Car park 30 metres away.

This beautiful nature walk takes you close to Belgium's most famous resurgences: the Lomme and the Lesse, as well as the associated caves. It also offers some lovely views of the surrounding valleys.

This walk follows a discreet valley where water and forest have shaped the landscape for centuries. Each place evokes an ancient history, often linked to the passage and work of man. Sorinne-la-Longue is a village that stretches out like an ancient road, already frequented in Roman times. The Faya wood, whose name comes from the beech tree, offers a cool and calm atmosphere. Bethléem is a place steeped in symbolism, formerly associated with refuge and passage. At the Inzéfonds quarries, blue stone has left its mark on the local architecture and landscape. In the Gesves wood and the Chaumont valley, the forest becomes denser and more enveloping. The Samson stream structures the valley. Around it, the Bizonzon and neighbouring streams are home to a discreet and varied fauna. It is therefore a peaceful walk between water, stone and wood, ideal for slowing down and observing.

Gesves, a charming village in the Namur Condroz region, is said to take its name from "Gengeavia", which means "running water". Numerous streams criss-cross its territory before flowing into the Samson. The walk starts at the municipal administration building, winds its way through a few quiet streets and then joins the Bois de Gesves. After descending into the Samson valley, you reach the site of the old Bizonzon sandstone quarries, which were abandoned more than half a century ago.

Part of the Sentiers d'Art (Art Trails) is included in this hike. You will have the opportunity to discover four works of art in a natural setting: the Triskele, the Sans refuge, the Eau d'ici and the Chaise brûlée.

"La Fête de Mai in Gesves is a wonderful artistic and human adventure in a rural setting. In 2001, nature and art lovers came up with a bold project: to invite artists from all over the world to create works of art in natural materials in the countryside. The May Festival is now 25 years old! In 25 years, our landscape has been enriched, in Gesves alone, by 136 works of land art. Some have returned to nature, while others still stand proudly for the enjoyment of hikers."Quote from Christian Beelaert, president of Vagabond'art asbl. All these works of art are linked by hiking trails that are accessible all year round.

Easy, with only two small steep hills. 74% of the route is on paths. Outward journey through the woods, return journey mainly through fields. Picnic possible at km 15 at the Samson cheese dairy in Gesves (081 583 666), possibility to bring your own meal (provided you purchase a drink) or order a cheese and/or charcuterie platter. Along the way, you can discover some of the sculptures on the Gesves art trail.

Circular loop along the Samson with a few places where dogs can play in the water. Beware of bacteria present in several waterways at the moment: August 2020. You will be able to see some works of art during the hike.

UNESCO created the Geopark label to promote geological heritage. On this walk, you will discover part of Belgium's first Geopark, Famenne-Ardenne. On the agenda: caves, clay pits and resurgences.

Starting from the village of Maillen, set off to discover Crupet, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. Visit its Saint Antoine cave and admire its Carondelet keep. Return via the village of Ivoy and its 13th-century church.

This route at the intersection of Gesves, Haut-Bois and Faulx-les-Tombes will take you close to the Gesves provincial breeding and riding school, whose facilities can host international events.

A walk through the rolling Ardennes countryside around two rivers that are emblematic of the region. The Masblette is a tributary of the Lomme (also spelled L'Homme in some sources). Their confluence is located between the villages of Lesterny and Masbourg, south of Forrières.