Coigneux walks

A lovely walk on the borders of Pas-de-Calais and the Somme.You'll discover the pretty Quilienne river (which did a lot of damage in 2016) and the Bois de Saint-Pierre (woods). It's possible to add one or two extensions, so that the trail can exceed 22km (see practical info).

This walk is loosely based on the "Sentier des Pierres du Diable" (Devil's Stone Trail), but allows you to discover, alongside the famous Devil's Stones, the magnificent Mont-Éloi Abbey, the Écoivres war cemetery, the churches of Écoivres, Acq and Mont Saint-Éloi, and the Acq mill.

This nearly roadless route takes in the wild Ravin des Cavernes and the astonishing moorland of Nœux-lès-Auxi (le Rietz). Le Rietz de Nœux is a protected nature reserve. In spring, it's home to the most beautiful orchids. Goes without saying, don't pick them! This circuit takes up a large part of the "Sentier de l'Étoile" (Path of the Star), of which there are a few routes, but no description. What's more, there are very few markings. The gates are near the fence on the right. Before tackling this route, I advise you to watch the 2 videos linked in Denis' commentary.

A fairly classic route around Mont-Saint-Éloi (the area is very well signposted), with three less-travelled sections to Villers-au-Bois. It's a bit winding (not intuitive, as one of my friends always says), but it allows you to take a few less-frequented paths.

Caucourt is a small village near Olhain.From the church, you cross pleasant plains and villages, especially on sunny days.Avoid this route in very hot weather, as it is not much shade; in rain or fog, the view won't be as good!... In the direction of the trail, you'll save the best until last, the Gué de Caucourt and its mill.

A walk along the Saint-Nazaire, through the wooded hills of Artois and the Lorette War Memorial (1914-1918).

Short route, on decently pathed paths, pleasant in all seasons (except in very wet weather) with a passage through the Gué de Caucourt. April 2024 :1- The Hermin council advises against using the path between points 10 and 11 until the end of 2025. At point (9) , go straight ahead to join point (11) . 2- The track between points (11)  and (12)  is particularly wet. It's okay, but you'll come out a little damp. It may be preferable to go straight ahead to reach the church, then turn right to rejoin the track at point (13) . 3- Very damp but short sections before and after point (4) 

This site represents Canada's most impressive memorial to its citizens who fought and gave their lives in the First World War. A strategic high point, offering breathtaking views of the coalfield and Artois hills.

During this walk, you'll enter a beautiful region that was devastated by the 1st World War. More than 180,000 people lost their lives during the Battle of Artois, which began in May-June 1915. This walk starts at the edge of a cemetery where 44,000 soldiers of all origins are buried. Many more are, and will remain, buried forever beneath the beautiful landscapes you're about to cross.

Lots of paths, a beautiful crossing of the Bois (with decent tracks) and a beautiful view as you reach the plateau (but frequent fog in autumn). 2021: I've gone back to the original route, which is more pleasant.

Hiking through the marshes of Biache - Saint-Vaast, Plouvain Roeux and Pelves.

A short walk on good paths in the hills above La Comté. On a clear day, the panorama is superb, and if you're luckier than me, you'll spot a few deer.

This route will delight you with its diversity of landscapes. Enjoy some panoramic views and the ancient abbey of Mont Saint-Eloi. (19) See: practical information.

Admittedly, the trail may seem a little monotonous, but what a beautiful path! It takes you gently up to the heights before dropping back down into the valley to climb Mont de la Comté.And at the end of the trail, the church awaits you.

This itinerary takes you to Europe's longest slag heap, which stretches over 2km and fills an ancient valley. You'll enjoy views over the coalfield and the Artois hills. At times, you'll have the impression of walking along a mountain ridge. An entirely wooded terril, it is a reserve for numerous species.

The walk starts from the Donjon de Bours (Bours keep) and takes you up to the plateau with its remarkable views. You'll then head back down to the village, finishing with a stroll through the narrow streets of Bours.

An itinerary that will take you to Europe's king of slag heaps! You'll first discover the former 11/19 base with its headframes and mining buildings currently being converted. You'll also enjoy a few pleasant passages through the undergrowth.

A beautiful, undulating trail on the Ternois hillsides. Donjon de Bours (keep).

A short but very hilly route (carto-explorer even gives 230m elevation gain) around the village of Eps, unjustly excluded by the marked trails. Beautiful views.Best done on a sunny day - it's magical!

A very pleasant nature trail in dry weather, but becomes more challenging in wet weather: grassy sections (a good test for your shoes, deep ruts, muddy sections). Warning: October 2024. While it's relatively easy to get through the ruts, the last part of the path out of the wood (before point 9) is in a terrible state. The path has been broken up by machinery and you can only pass along the sides, which are themselves very difficult. It's very slippery and sometimes you have to change sides, which is a real challenge. This used to be a signposted mountain bike trail, is it still?

A route that takes you through the Fouquières marshes. You'll climb the wooded slag heap 83, offering a view of a mysterious artificial valley. You'll then head for slag heap 94 (staircase slag heap), passing the schlamm bins (storage of mining waste) and the Harnes fishing pond. Return along the path that runs alongside the Lens canal.

A walk through ponds, canals and marshes, where you'll be surrounded by water in the commune of Beuvry.

More than 22 km of trails for a nature trail with some nice climbs and descents. Sharpen your calves!Beautiful views, woods and, if you're lucky, a few wild animals. At least, the ones that the hunters don't slaughter, as we recently freed two roe deer caught in snares (fox traps, but any animal can get caught there, and it's legal!).

The route begins in the forest, with birdwatching available from observation posts. Then the landscape becomes more undulous as you climb Slag heap 115 (viewpoint over the coalfield) and return via the miners' cottages.

15 Km circuit in and around the Phalempin Forest. Start from the carpark opposite the Phalempin church.