Refine your search for walks in Esquerdes
Esquerdes walks
The Wavrans Valley
Visorando Member
7.35 mi
+574 ft
-545 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Esquerdes (Pas-de-Calais)
The Wavrans-sur-l'Aa nature reserve consists of two hillsides separated by a dry valley, Mont Carrière and Montagne d'Elnes. The chalky slopes of the reserve are steep and unusual for the region. They were also "sculpted" by the bombs of the Second World War.
Yellow River Trail
2.20 mi
+213 ft
-213 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Helfaut (Pas-de-Calais)
A short walk around the La Coupole blockhouse, where forest and magnificent ponds come together.
Back to the Elnes hillside
14.03 mi
+1,309 ft
-1,283 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Remilly-Wirquin (Pas-de-Calais)
This place is so beautiful that it deserves a second route.Another good climb with 2 nice climbs and a maximum of paths and trails.
Difficult in dry weather and very difficult in wet weather.
The Pihem Ravine and the Fields of Avroult
16.91 mi
+961 ft
-942 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Remilly-Wirquin (Pas-de-Calais)
Another long route to explore the Ravin de Pihem (the upper section of which is (temporarily?) impassable). You’ll also take a superb path at a place called “Les Champs d’Avroult” before popping over to have a look at the old quarries at Cléty.
An easy hike that can be split into two sections.
From the Aa to the Bois d'Esquerdes
13.22 mi
+699 ft
-709 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Remilly-Wirquin (Pas-de-Calais)
Another long route in this magnificent region.The double crossing of the Bois d’Esquerdes is very pleasant, even if wildlife seems scarce there.Discover the Cartoucherie site.
Bois, vallée et coteau de Wavrans-sur-l'Aa
12.32 mi
+761 ft
-745 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Remilly-Wirquin (Pas-de-Calais)
Another route around the Coteau d’Elnes with very little tarmac. Crossing the Bois d’Esquerdes is even more enjoyable, and the long walk along the riverbank is most pleasant. Finally, the section through the hillside, especially in fine weather, is a real delight (even if it is a bit of a struggle!)
From Moringhem to Quelmes
9.85 mi
+384 ft
-358 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Moringhem (Pas-de-Calais)
A pleasant route, with the possibility of a pleasant break at the beautiful Quelmes café.
Ecou marsh “Marais d’Ecou” in Tilques
6.06 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Tilques (Pas-de-Calais)
Houses, each with its own dock and boat moored on the Lansberg. People fishing practically from their homes. Cottages, each more beautiful than the last. Little market gardeners' boats loaded with crates of vegetables heading off to who knows where.Truly, the passage along the Lansberg will delight you with its beauty.You'll find a tranquil, picturesque feel that's rare in the region.
Circuit d'Ecques par les landes
14.19 mi
+407 ft
-407 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Ecques (Pas-de-Calais)
Leave Ecques via the same route, then take a long, flat walk through the fields to reach Heuringhem. Continue across the moors of Blendecques, Rietz de l'Église and Bibrou before reaching Quiestède via Les Bruyères. Return via the Bois d'Ecques.
The route is relatively flat, but there are a few wet areas (more depending on the weather). During hunting season, avoid Sundays, as some communal woods are rented to hunting clubs!
Route modified and improved in September 2024 to avoid the D 190.
The Fontinettes boat elevator
5.86 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Arques (Pas-de-Calais) (Pas-de-Calais)
The Sentier des Fontinettes invites you to discover the often overlooked natural riches of Arques: from the Étang de Beauséjour to the Étang de Malhôve, via the Forêt de Rihoult (forest) and the canal towpath, not forgetting the nautical base and boat lift.
Le Lansbergue
Local authority
3.65 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Tilques (Pas-de-Calais)
This is a route through the heart of the Audomarois marshes along a marked trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.
From Wismes to the Bois d'Esquerdes via the Montagne d'Elnes
15.89 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,030 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Wismes (Pas-de-Calais)
A long route with very little tarmac and a superb climb.
There are also a few long straight stretches through the fields that will delight many!
Late July 2020:
- the section between points 6 and 7 is in excellent condition.
- at point 13, after the copse, you cross a maize field for about fifty metres (the path is clearly marked) before finding the track.
Walk through the Artois Heights
9.93 mi
+886 ft
-863 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Nielles-lès-Bléquin (Pas-de-Calais)
A winding route offering superb views of the Artois heights and the Bléquin valley.
La Cuvette from Clamarais
10.60 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Clairmarais (Pas-de-Calais)
This route is divided between marshland, bocage and forest. It crosses Flanders before returning to the Audomarois region. In the first part of this itinerary, walkers will see street names in Flemish. This is a signposted trail of the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.
Discovering the Audomarois marshlands
4.26 mi
+7 ft
-10 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Clairmarais (Pas-de-Calais)
A walk that combines crossing the Clairmarais market garden marsh with the Romelaëre Nature Reserve.Lots of birdwatching: ash herons, coots, storks... And the star attraction of this walk: crossing the canals on the chain ferries, which will appeal to young and old alike!Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5.
Hills and valleys in Coyecques
9.64 mi
+991 ft
-991 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Coyecques (Pas-de-Calais)
From the Lys Valley to Noir Mont and discovery of the hidden valley of Maisnil.
The route is almost entirely off-road, either on good grassy paths or vaguely paved paths.
Do not look for markings, as there are none.
The Ponds Trail
3.99 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Mametz (Pas-de-Calais)
A short 6 km walk to explore the Étangs de la Sauvagine in Mametz and the Étangs de Rebecques.
Hugo Trail in Racquinghem
6.53 mi
+197 ft
-187 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Racquinghem (Pas-de-Calais)
This route will take you through several different types of landscape: the Plateau des Landes regional nature reserve, the plain and the Neuffossé Canal. The latter separates the Pas-de-Calais department from the Nord department.
It is a marked trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.
An uphill battle
15.98 mi
+1,371 ft
-1,365 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Fauquembergues (Pas-de-Calais)
It's a route that will delight altitude enthusiasts (Carto exploreur and the Visorando app suggest it's as high as 500m). What's more, the views are stunning.
Route slightly modified in November 2019.
All trails are very good as of May 14, 2020 (even if some are very grassy).
Along the canalised Aa and the Houlle
7.72 mi
+85 ft
-89 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Watten (Nord)
Discover the waterways of the Audomarois, a beautiful area of Hauts-de-France.
The Saint-Louis Chapel from Tournehem-sur-la-Hem
5.64 mi
+413 ft
-397 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Tournehem-sur-la-Hem (Pas-de-Calais)
A lovely walk through woods and hedged farmland to the pretty Chapelle Saint-Louis. It's a signposted trail run by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.
The Bois d'Elloo
9.57 mi
+597 ft
-597 ft
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Tournehem-sur-la-Hem (Pas-de-Calais)
During this route, walkers will pass through the Tournehem National Forest, which covers 988 hectares. They will see old windmills and the Hem valley.This is a signposted trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.
From Reclinghem to Mont d'Erny
11.08 mi
+814 ft
-797 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Reclinghem (Pas-de-Calais)
Three lovely climbs and a long stroll across the plateau make for a walk surrounded by nature. A very hilly first section, followed by a long stretch along the heights before descending to Reclinghem with magnificent views. The icing on the cake is an optional circular loop I suggest, which brings the total elevation gain to over 300 m.
On the plateau between the Lys and the Aa
15.76 mi
+912 ft
-922 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Dennebrœucq (Pas-de-Calais)
A long route with a significant elevation gain on paths that are generally in very good condition.
Around Bomy
3.48 mi
+102 ft
-112 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Bomy (Pas-de-Calais)
A short walk in the Artois region, particularly pleasant in autumn.
From Buysscheure to the Booneghem Marshes
8.35 mi
+82 ft
-82 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Buysscheure (Nord)
Starting from the path to Paradis, in the shade of the hawthorn hedges, come and discover the large wet pastures, the Booenghem marsh and the nature barn. Then cross the Bachelin marshes and peat bogs before following the magnificent path that runs alongside the River Booneghem through the small marsh. This circular route mainly follows paths.
The Surgeon hills
6.86 mi
+610 ft
-584 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Enquin-les-Mines (Pas-de-Calais)
A short, undulating route offering beautiful views.
Around Muncq-Nieurlet
7.40 mi
+505 ft
-476 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Muncq-Nieurlet (Pas-de-Calais)
This trail takes you through a wooded landscape at the edge of the Artois hills, interspersed with canals and watergangs. The varied relief offers a unique panorama, a superb walk with a breathtaking view.
From Turkey to Fond Breton (in less than 10 km!)
5.80 mi
+358 ft
-354 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Renty (Pas-de-Calais)
A short but fairly strenuous route with a steep hill and some very grassy paths.
On 12/08/2025: the start of the trail is once again very overgrown (brambles and nettles). It's passable but it's best to wear trousers or good gaiters and, of course, bring a walking stick or even a pair of secateurs.
Le Puits sans Fond stream
7.28 mi
+361 ft
-354 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Fléchin (Pas-de-Calais)
A short walk that takes you up to the ridge before descending and going along the Puits sans Fond stream. More pleasant in dry weather, as some paths can be very wet.
The Lady of the Wolves Trail
Tourist office
8.56 mi
+98 ft
-102 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Zutkerque (Pas-de-Calais)
South of Audruicq, discover the Brédenarde, a landscape of hedgerows, fruit trees and wooded countryside.Starting from Zutkerque or Polincove, take the ‘Dame aux Loups’ trail, named in honour of the Baronessde Draëck; you can admire her château, the first hills of Artois and follow the winding course of the Hem: the river of mills.