Coupelle-Vieille walks

A route amongst the wind turbines with very little tarmac. I’ve tried to stick to the ‘wildest’ paths, which may make the walk a little trickier in wet weather. It’s easy to combine this walk with the one from Fruges to the Bois de Radinghem to make a 28 km route.

This varied, not overly difficult route is largely based on the ‘7 Bell Towers’ trail. You’ll therefore come across a few sections marked in yellow.

A short but fairly strenuous route with a steep hill and some very grassy paths. On 12/08/2025: the start of the trail is once again very overgrown (brambles and nettles). It's passable but it's best to wear trousers or good gaiters and, of course, bring a walking stick or even a pair of secateurs.

Another option, slightly shorter but still quite challenging, offers views of the Créquoise valley. The route through the Bois de Créquy is the same as on the other walk: ‘The Bois de Créquy’, but the return journey takes you down the other side, offering a lovely view of the valley.

A long route with virtually no roads, making use of three short-distance hiking trails: the Maury, the Têtards and the Fréniaux.It’s best to go during a dry spell, as the paths can be quite poor in wet weather.Three-quarters of the walk takes place on the edge of or within the woods.

A long route with a significant elevation gain on paths that are generally in very good condition.

Exploring the Vallon de Beaussart and passing close to the Bois de Renty, always in the hope of spotting some wildlife: on 16 October, there were only a few pheasants, but they practically let you stroke them. A real treat for hunters! There are practically no roads on this route.

This route, with very little tarmac, follows the Charles Quint trail, to which a short circular loop through unspoilt countryside with lovely views has been added.

A beautiful hike along the Henry V trail around the plain where the Battle of Agincourt took place in 1415.

Three lovely climbs and a long stroll across the plateau make for a walk surrounded by nature. A very hilly first section, followed by a long stretch along the heights before descending to Reclinghem with magnificent views. The icing on the cake is an optional circular loop I suggest, which brings the total elevation gain to over 300 m.

This route will take you from the Lys valley up to the heights of Artois. It is a signposted trail managed by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.

It's a route that will delight altitude enthusiasts (Carto exploreur and the Visorando app suggest it's as high as 500m). What's more, the views are stunning. Route slightly modified in November 2019. All trails are very good as of May 14, 2020 (even if some are very grassy).

The source of the Lys, the Lugy Mill and a lovely route across the plateau (beautiful views).This walk can be more difficult in wet weather as some paths are regularly churned up.Some tarmac, but on minor roads. Please note: the path leading up through the Lugy woods after the (5) can be very difficult in wet weather.

A long walk around the Planquette Valley, culminating in a traverse of the Hesdin Forest. Not to mention the lovely paths around Cavron-Saint-Martin. And, of course, I made sure not to skip the lovely climb up the Bois de Fressin, which is a real treat for the calves. When I went there in early September 2023, the paths were in excellent condition, but the first rains will quickly wear them down and the walk will become very difficult. Using the app makes finding your way much easier!

A short walk around Fressin with a few climbs through lovely scenery. Head up through the Fressin woods, cross the Planquette, and walk across the plateau where you’ll find great photo opportunities of Fressin Castle – a castle you’ll get to see up close on the way back.The path is well signposted in yellow. Some might say there’s no point in detailing signposted paths, but for me it’s important to share them with the community.

A succession of small roads and paths for a day in the great outdoors.The icing on the cake: a good elevation gain with a superb climb in the Bois de Fressin. For very experienced hikers, I highly recommend the alternative route described in the practical information section.

From the Lys Valley to Noir Mont and discovery of the hidden valley of Maisnil. The route is almost entirely off-road, either on good grassy paths or vaguely paved paths. Do not look for markings, as there are none.

The old marked trail around Ambricourt is unfortunately poorly maintained or not maintained at all. We have been walking it for 25 years and have encountered difficulties every time (poor signage, paths buried under nettles or difficult to walk on).The start at Teneur allows you to pass (twice) in front of the superb limestone hillside of Teneur. Deer are often visible in or around the Bois de Crépy The path is in very poor condition between points (2) and (6). If possible, avoid the period between mid-June and mid-August. The passage after point (3) will be easier if the field is not too far into the growing season or has already been harvested.