Between France and Belgium in the slate country from Le Mesnil

This hike is quite physically demanding (distance and elevation), but it will allow you to discover a magnificent yet little-known region...

The French Meuse with its landscapes where stone, tortured by water but also by man, emerges here and there from the Ardennes forest to offer you sublime views...

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 19.77 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 535 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 541 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 382 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 113 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The start and finish are in Le Mesnil, a small Belgian village in the municipality of Viroinval. There is no public transport!

85% of the route is covered by forest, except for the section through the town of Fumay and a section following a cycle path along the Meuse (3 km).

The route does not present any real difficulties except for the distance and a few steep climbs.

You can take a break in the town of Fumay or Haybes (restaurants, bakeries, etc.).

We are in the Ardennes, and when you say Ardennes, you say... hunting! Find out more before you set off.

For Belgium, visit the "chasse on web" website; for France, visit the "Parc Naturel des Ardennes" website. You will find maps and hunting dates on these websites.

The climb up the Muletiers trail can be a little tricky due to the abundance of ferns in July and August, especially on the sun-exposed ridge.

The viewpoint (9) is not marked on the ground. GPS recommended! The only landmark is the remains of an old hut (corrugated iron) on the left of the trail. From this point, follow a (very) discreet trail for about a hundred metres.

Looking at the map, you will see that it is quite possible to shorten this route by ignoring the Belgian part of the route: points (1) and (2) and starting the hike in Fumay or Haybes.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 296 m - Bois de la Rochère, Le Mesnil
  2. 1 : km 1.68 - alt. 328 m - Crossroads with the return route
  3. 2 : km 2.85 - alt. 362 m - Junction with the return route
  4. 3 : km 4.72 - alt. 240 m - Exposed viewpoint - Meuse (fleuve)
  5. 4 : km 6.91 - alt. 177 m - Access to the Divers-Monts trail
  6. 5 : km 9.74 - alt. 176 m - Passage hidden by vegetation
  7. 6 : km 10.47 - alt. 116 m - Cycle path - Meuse (fleuve)
  8. 7 : km 13.62 - alt. 119 m - Access to the Sentier des Muletiers trail - Meuse (fleuve)
  9. 8 : km 15.07 - alt. 326 m - Exit into the ferns
  10. 9 : km 16.33 - alt. 349 m - Eagle's nest viewpoint - Meuse (fleuve)
  11. 10 : km 18.22 - alt. 285 m - Source
  12. S/E : km 19.77 - alt. 296 m - Bois de la Rochère, Le Mesnil

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.