In the Wimbe valley towards Pondrôme

A different season, a different direction, different conditions... a different impression, different perceptions!This walk starting from the Château d’Esclaye (which isn’t really visible from the public paths) crosses the countryside and one or other of the Famenne’s wooded areas between Esclaye (Beauraing), Froidlieu (Wellin) and Lavaux-Sainte-Anne (Rochefort) and sets out to explore the two visible castles: Revogne Castle (private, not open to visitors) and Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Castle, listed as a major heritage site in Wallonia (museums, admission fee).In addition to these two ruins, the route passes by the Chapel of Revogne and the Porte de Lomprez (also in Revogne), and on the way back offers a magnificent view of the buildings of the Ferme d’Esclaye.Tip: explore these paths and trails in different seasons, in different weather conditions (sun, mist, snow, etc.) and definitely once in one direction and once in the other... you’ll be surprised!

This route, which starts at the Marian shrine of Beauraing, crosses the geological regions of the Calestienne and the Ardennes. It offers the chance to discover a magnificent landscape and to recharge your batteries physically, mentally and spiritually.

Lavaux-Saint-Anne is an ideal place to start a hike that is half countryside, half forest, not only in Famenne but also in Calestienne. The route offers beautiful panoramic views of the Famenne depression. The Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne is listed as a major heritage site in Wallonia. It is open to visitors and features 32 furnished and decorated rooms, 3 themed museums, a wetland area and a deer park.Revogne Castle is not open to visitors but is clearly visible on arrival in the village from the other side of the Wimbe. The route passes through the old gate of the medieval enclosure and the small church located on the hillside below the castle. The third historical gem of the hike is the imposing building of the Ferme d'Esclaye. However, the castle is not visible from public paths.

With sections in the countryside offering magnificent panoramic views of the Famenne and Calestienne regions and beautiful forest sections alternating between deciduous and coniferous trees, this long circular walk is one of the 2025 proposals from the Wellin Tourist Office. It is part of a series comprising a large circular 50 km and four other smaller circular ones, including this one.It is worth noting that the circular route passes through Sohier, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, with its pretty stone houses: don't miss the old village hall/school, the church and the castle.

This long walk, which is mostly through forest for just over half of the route, starts behind the imposing church of Lomprez with its turrets. The old village mill is nearby. While the street-facing building and its dormer window (whose pulley has disappeared) are in good condition, the rear and the old wheel are in need of restoration. There are a few difficulties on this route: see the "description" box.

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.

The route takes turns along the GR® Monts d'Ardenne trail and the Wellin circular, via Monts and Vaulx.The Sourd d'Ave is a resurgence of the Ry d'Ave located opposite the N835, between the E411 and the N94. There are better places, but there is no choice. The route is equipped with stairs and ropes, making it safe and secure. You can admire the work of the beavers there!The stone Jeumont Cross dated from the late 19th century. It fell during a storm in 1984 (remains can be seen on the site), and a wooden version was erected by the Fraternité de Tibériade in 2022. The site is part of the Natura 2000 network and the chapel at the top of the hill is listed as protected heritage in Wallonia.In addition to opening up onto rolling countryside landscapes, the trail comes quite close to two gigantic quarries, Fond des Vaulx and Les Limites. Both are worth a closer look where possible!

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.