Route de Lanaye via Montagne Saint-Pierre

From the monument opposite Lanaye Church, on Place du Roi Albert; there is a car park directly in front of the square (alternatively, half a dozen parking spaces are also available just after the bridge over the canal).

(S/E) Turn left onto the tree-lined lane and cross the Albert Canal. Take the tarmac road which climbs to the left.

(1) The road, now cobbled, takes a hairpin bend to the right. Continue straight on along the path and enter the Montagne Saint-Pierre site. Several cellars hewn into the rock face open out onto the path. Carry on along this path to the end (fence) and take the steps leading down to the left onto the path below. Turn right onto this path and, at the Fork in the road, head up to the right onto the narrow path wedged between a large grassy embankment (on the right) and a wood (on the left).
Halfway up the slope: a viewpoint over the valley and the CBR cement works. Continue the climb; the path enters the woodland, becomes very narrow and ends with a few steps leading out into the fields.

(2) Follow the dirt track that starts here and cross the plateau in a straight line until, after a descent, you reach a wider track lined with a row of fir trees.

(3) Turn right and, after a few metres, take the path that branches off diagonally to the right. Go through the small gate and continue across the meadow (with a stone-built barn on the right) until you reach the other end. Go through the gate and take the gravel path on the left. Follow it down to where it meets a tarmac road; turn right onto this road, below the path you have just left. Walk straight up the concrete path.

(4) Before reaching the top of the hill, take the small path on the left which descends in a straight line between two hedges to the river (the Geer). Follow the stream for 200 metres, cross the small bridge and join the tarmac road. Turn right and continue to the end, in the centre of the village. Then turn right into Rue du Garage as far as the bridge.

(5) Just before the bridge, turn left onto the small path that runs alongside the stream. Follow it until it joins Rue du Fort.

(6) From there, you can reach the Fort d’Eben-Emael by crossing the bridge.

(7) Alternative route(see practical information). Retrace your steps.

(6) Turn right onto the path along the stream and continue along Rue Wérihet, which runs behind several housing estates before joining the main road (N619). Turn right and walk for 200 m, cross the road and turn left onto Rue Avergat, which runs diagonally. At the end of the street, take the path on the right which leads directly to the bridge.

(8) Climb the steps leading to the bridge. Cross to the other side of the bridge halfway across (protected crossing) and go down the steps at the other end. Continue along the stream until you reach Brugstraat. Turn right, cross the stream and turn right again into Hubertusstraat. Follow this road up to the junction and go straight on into Pruisstraat. As this road curves to the left, take the footpath (steps) that climbs up opposite.

(9) This path emerges onto a wider track (turnstile), in Dutch territory, which you take to the right and follow for about 700 metres: this track (^GR®®) curves first to the left and then to the right.

(10) As it runs alongside a meadow, the path then turns sharply to the right (returning to Belgian territory, still on the^GR®®). 400 metres further on (picnic table), at the Ferme de Caster (under renovation), carry straight on along the same path, which heads back into the woods.

(11) As you emerge from the woods, turn onto the path on the left between two pastures. As soon as you re-enter the woods, turn left onto the path that leads downhill.

(12) Follow this path for about a hundred metres and you’ll suddenly find yourself facing a deep, narrow gorge which is certainly worth a look, as well as passing a huge cave hewn out of the rock.

(13) Retrace your steps.

(12) Turn left onto the path that leads back, winds round a bend and continues downwards to join the road at the canal.

(14) Once at the bottom of the path, turn right onto the road running alongside the canal, then left after a large villa, to reach the towpath (the canal providing access to the Lanaye lock on the Meuse). Continue towards the lock.
Just before the lock, before a concrete barrier, join the road (there is no access to the road at the foot of the lock). Take the road that passes over the lock and goes round it.

(15) Halfway along the lock chamber, take the small path on the left which winds its way uphill between the canal and a backwater of the Meuse. It soon joins a concrete path that leads down to the village of Lanaye. At the entrance to the village, keep left onto Rue du Village, then turn right onto Rue Derrière les Haies. Carry on straight ahead to Place du Roi Albert and head for the car park (S/E).

Wear good walking shoes, but there are no muddy or wet sections.
(7): Alternative route: It is also possible to reach the Albert Canal directly by taking the path leading straight ahead from this point. You will then rejoin the route at the bridge ((8)) over the canal by following the towpath.

(7) Visit to the Fort of Eben-Emael
(7) Brasserie du Moulin Loverix, for refreshments along the Geer whilst out walking.
Lanaye Lock: various guided tours organised throughout the year (see Tourist Office)