From the Scheldt to the Sensée via the old Bassin Rond

Parking on the square, near the church and Hordain Town Hall.

(S/E) Take Rue des Écoles for about 150 m.

(1) At the bakery, turn right onto Rue du Marais. This road becomes a path, then joins a road.

(2) Turn right onto it, cross the Vieil Escaut bridge, and keep left on the cycle path for about 400 metres. Pass a few buildings on the right (former breweries).

(3) Turn right, go up to cross the Canal de l'Escaut bridge, and continue straight on to the end of this road.

(4) Turn left and follow the backwater (old canal).

(5) Turn left onto Rue Henri Deshayes to follow the canal along the GR®121 for approximately 1,600 metres.

(6) Turn right onto Rue de Wavrechain Sous Faulx and walk past a campsite, then a ditch.

(7) Cross the bridge over the Rivière de la Sensée and continue straight on along Rue de Paillencourt. Cross the bridge over the Canal de la Sensée.

(8) After the bridge, turn right and follow the canal for about 1,800 m.

(9) Pass the Pont Malin lock and continue straight on for a further 2,500 m or so. Head back up towards the bridge.

(10) Turn right to cross it, then immediately right again after the bridge. Follow the canal along the opposite bank for about 100 m via the Pont Malin embankment. Then turn left. When you reach a road, turn right and continue for about 50 m.

(11) Take Rue du Pont Malin on the right for about 100 m, heading towards the ponds. Turn left and follow the two ponds – the first for whitefish and the second for trout. Continue to the end of the second pond, until you reach the left-hand bend.

(12) Take the path on the right and follow the Vieil Escaut river for about 1,600 metres until you reach a bridge.

(13) Turn left to cross the bridge, then continue straight on along Rue Jules Ferry.

(14) Continue straight on along this street to return to the starting point at the church. (S/E)

Refreshments in Bouchain.

1. The Scheldt
2. The Sensée
3. Ponds.
4. Villages