From Nethen to the Meerdael Forest circular

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Between Walloon Brabant and the Meerdael Forest, this walk combines nature, history and legends. The Nethen, a discreet river, winds its way between meadows and woods before joining the Dyle. Its banks are home to trout, kingfishers and dragonflies.
In the Meerdael Forest and at Les 12 Bonniers, oak and beech trees dominate a world of mosses, mushrooms and discreet animals. The Ferme de la Houlotte recalls the rural life of yesteryear, while the tawny owl watches over the grounds.
The medieval mound of Nethen and the castle of Florival bear witness to the valley's feudal past. Further on, the Nethen sandpit and the Grande Marbaise reveal an ancient seascape, now a refuge for rare flora and sand lizards. At Florival and the Pécrot pond, reeds and orchids create a peaceful scene. Between rivers, forests and memories of times gone by, Nethen invites you to explore and contemplate.

Details

n°87451374
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.35 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 203 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 204 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 106 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 28 m
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Photos

Passage beneath Florival station
The marshes
Petit Damme in Pécrot
path

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 45 m - Nethen
  2. 1 : km 0.48 - alt. 41 m - La Néthen
  3. 2 : km 1.73 - alt. 86 m - Entrance to the forest
  4. 3 : km 5.18 - alt. 34 m - La Néthen
  5. 4 : km 9.05 - alt. 43 m - Pécrot
  6. 5 : km 9.51 - alt. 30 m - Pond
  7. 6 : km 10.67 - alt. 29 m - Dyle (rivière) - Belgique
  8. 7 : km 12.36 - alt. 44 m - Florival
  9. S/E : km 15.35 - alt. 44 m - Nethen

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Michel josquin
Michel josquin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful trails under clear skies and in perfect weather for walkers!
Don’t miss... 3 km before the finish, near Florival station, a little café offers a welcome break...

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HARDIV
HARDIV
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 29, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk this spring.
We particularly enjoyed the section around the Pécrot ponds and the valley. (between points 5 & 7)
And what’s more, there’s very little road.

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User 10963885

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely route of just over 15 kilometres through fields and woods.
A few short sections were muddy.
But I really enjoyed riding this route.

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