Apart from a ford near the Moulin de Bistain (3) that is usually easy to cross, the other stream crossings are equipped with small bridges or footbridges that allow you to cross without getting your feet wet.
Some paths, however, sometimes require a bit of gymnastics to cross without getting wet after heavy rain.
Good waterproof walking shoes are essential.
This is a little-used route with no shops, but there are a few benches and picnic tables, particularly on the outskirts of Limerlé and at the Moulin de Bistain.
Of note near the starting point: the Manoir de Sterpigny, a former castle farm converted into a lodge.
Nature getaway in Sterpigny
Crossed by the Ourthe Orientale, Gouvy boasts magnificent landscapes to discover as you follow the river, with countryside and forests alternating between deciduous and coniferous trees. In autumn, it is of course the deciduous trees that leave the greatest impression!
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 14.68 mi -
Average duration: 7h 50 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,214 ft -
Descent: - 1,227 ft -
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Highest point: 1,716 ft -
Lowest point: 1,217 ft
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Country:
Belgium
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Area: Massif des Ardennes -
City:
Gouvy -
Start/End: N 50.183288° / E 5.883865° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,414 ft - Sterpigny, 21A
- 1 : mi 4.69 - alt. 1,362 ft - Valley of the - Ourthe orientale (rivière) - Affluent de l'Ourthe
- 2 : mi 6.5 - alt. 1,660 ft - Flooded section following heavy rain
- 3 : mi 11.56 - alt. 1,237 ft - Rock and Bistain Mill
- S/E : mi 14.68 - alt. 1,414 ft - Sterpigny, 21A
Worth a visit
In Buret: the Bernistap Canal
Other walks in the area
Sterpigny – Rodt Sankt-Vith
Visorando Member
14.25 mi
+840 ft
-587 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
Here we are in the Eastern Cantons. This region isn’t part of Wallonia, but I’ve included it in my ‘Parkin’son tour of Wallonia’ all the same. Through a succession of climbs, some of which are quite steep, as are the descents, we gradually make our way towards the highest altitudes in Belgium. Mainly via paths, tracks and back roads, we link up the various villages and small towns situated between Sterpigny and Rodt, namely Gouvy, Aldringen, Maldingen and Crombach.
Cherain - Rettigny et la vallée de l' Ourthe
8.46 mi
+846 ft
-827 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
This is a reposing walk between the fields and along small rivers. Recommend for people who love the country and nature.
In the heart of one of our Ardennes forests around Montleban
6.40 mi
+564 ft
-564 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
As a resident of the pretty little village of Montleban, I’d like to suggest a route to my fellow walkers and/or joggers that consists of 90% wooded paths and 10% quiet, unpaved roads.
Throughout the walk, you may be lucky enough to encounter a family of wild boars or deer.
Via Limerlé from Steinbach
4.53 mi
+394 ft
-420 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
The route passes through the Ourthe Orientale nature reserve. Here, in particular, you can admire the typical flora and fauna.Steinbach is a charming Ardennes village with an agricultural heritage, featuring numerous farms and small farmhouses built of schist stone and roofed with slate (cherbins = local slate). Its historical past is evident in the presence of castle-like farms and enclosed farmsteads dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, which have been carefully restored.
From Gouvy station to Vielsalm station
12.32 mi
+1,112 ft
-1,457 ft
6h 40
Moderate
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
From Gouvy to Vielsalm, skirting Courtil and Provèdroux, the route is quintessentially Ardennes and serene. It alternates between peaceful forest stretches and open countryside, with gently rolling hills. The terrain becomes more undulating as you approach Vielsalm. The walk through the hamlet of La Comté, followed by the climb over the next ridge with its magnificent views, is a real treat. This is followed by the typical descent towards Vielsalm, where you’ll find it all: schist, the Bonalfa forest, blueberry bushes… and the ‘macralles’ (witches)!
A few markers on the Ourthe side
10.93 mi
+620 ft
-597 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Gouvy (Province de Luxembourg)
You’ll cover almost 18 kilometres and will also come across two other very different types of boundary markers: two stone ones marking the former Belgian-Prussian border and two metal ones, still very much in use, between Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.The Eastern Ourthe, meanwhile, is not very prominent, but towards the end of the route you’ll walk alongside a beautiful nature reserve on the banks of its tributary, known as the Fooschtbaach in the Grand Duchy and the Pihon in Belgium.
From Bêche to Bêche
6.07 mi
+915 ft
-761 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Vielsalm (Province de Luxembourg)
Discover the landscapes and history of the people who shaped the Salm region. A lovely walk with very little road, mainly forest paths. Beautiful views at Bec du Corbeau, where history and nature come together on this walk.
Grand-Bois to Vielsalm: the treasures of the Salm region
Tourism professional
5.99 mi
+604 ft
-597 ft
3h 15
Difficult
Departure from Vielsalm (Province de Luxembourg)
This walk takes you on a journey of discovery through the arkose and schist quarries of the Pays de Salm, the gold prospectors of La Rougerie, the Celts and their fortified settlement at the Celtic Camp, and the Quatre-Vents nature reserves.
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