Flandre walks

Short route on beautiful, well-maintained Belgian trails with good signage.Simple signposting: there are posts with numbers and an arrow indicating the number you want to go to (not easy to explain but obvious when you're there). In wet weather, some areas may be soggy or even very muddy.

A long, slightly winding route to enjoy the beautiful Belgian trails, which are well maintained and clearly marked. Simple signposting: there are posts with numbers and an arrow indicating the number you want to go to (not easy to explain but obvious when you're there). Difficult route, even very difficult in wet weather.

This walk is suitable for Nordic walking. Huldenberg is a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, not far from the linguistic border. The region is known for its table grape cultivation and the De Doode Bemde nature reserve. Doode means 'dead' (soil unsuitable for agriculture) and Bemde means 'wet meadow'.

This is an easy hike despite a section on Mont Kemmel with steep slopes and steps. The rest is pleasant, with sections through vineyards and views of the surrounding countryside.

This walk passes through Tervuren Park and then follows the Voer river with theGR® Dijeland to discover the hinterland through the fields.

A patchwork of different routes in the area for a long hike that will delight your thighs.As for the mountains, like the Musketeers, there are four (or even five, I forgot the Baneberg near the mill), as you climb Mont Noir twice.In short, a nice climb in the Flat Country on numerous paths and a few small, quiet roads. It's a demanding route, because even between the mountains, there are plenty of small hills. But, as is often the case in Belgium, the trails are well maintained and constantly being improved.

This walk explores some of the region's gems. The route passes successively by a mill on the Geer (Jeker in Dutch) with a wooden paddle wheel that is still fully functional, Neercanne Castle, the Cannerbos, a magnificent tree-lined avenue in the Milleniumbos, a few vineyards, the old Nekum mill (no longer with a wheel), the Maastricht Fort plateau with some beautiful views of the city, Huis de Torentjes, a curious cave/chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, the Zonneberg, the Slavantebos, the panoramic site of the former ENCI quarry, the Villa Castrum (admire the tuffeau stone used in its renovation) and, finally, the strange and extremely rare feature of the Geer, which passes under the Albert Canal via a siphon. All in all, this route offers a multitude of historical and educational points of interest for young and old alike.

This invitation to discover Walloon Brabant, on the border between Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, alternates between countryside and forest, nature and urban areas, as well as a short section in the northern zone of Wavre, passing by the unmissable GSK, one of the largest employers in Wallonia.

A 24 km circular between wide forest paths and more technical sections. In short, two hours of pure joy in the heart of nature!  The route starts at the town hall in Hoeilaart and passes through Groenendaal. It is very well marked with the blue mountain bike logo.

This circular walk takes you through the Antwerp Campine region, across countryside and pine and deciduous forests. It follows two historic canals, makes a slight detour into the Netherlands and, as its name suggests, takes you on a tour of Postel Abbey.

Around De Pinte, the walk takes you through a setting where history and nature complement each other. The Parkbos alternates between young forests, bright meadows and the wet valley of the Rosdambeek, which sometimes overflows between the tree trunks. Further on, the Grand Noble Estate, once linked to St Peter's Abbey, reveals its noble avenues and neoclassical castle, while ancient names such as Nazarethbeek and Rosdam recall farms and hamlets that have disappeared.Heading towards Scheldevelde, you enter an ancient medieval estate marked by the Seven Dreven, star-shaped avenues that lend a solemn charm when the light filters through the beech and oak trees. Alders, willows, flower-filled meadows and dotterbloemen line the waters, while frogs, newts, robins and woodpeckers bring the 'poëls' to life. A hike through changing landscapes, between tranquil nature, aristocratic heritage and little touches of legend.

Bruges becomes an enchanted setting during the Christmas market: chalets, the smell of hot chocolate, lights and golden reflections on the canals. Stroll through cobbled streets, medieval houses and illuminated bridges.Nicknamed the "Venice of the North", the city combines historic charm and peaceful corners, perfect for a stroll through its old town and green spaces.Bruges also has its stories: legends of haunted alleys, tales of guilds and small courtyards hidden behind façades.Despite the winter, swans, ducks and moorhens enliven the canals, while the Minnewater and the Beguinage offer havens of nature.With superb views from the bridges, local crafts, carousels and a magical atmosphere, this walk promises a unique blend of heritage, festive magic and culinary delights.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside around Dranouter. This route is mostly on paved paths and is therefore ideal for a mud-free walk in winter.

Start and finish at the car park of Wulvergem Church or the main square in Neuve Église. This walk mostly follows paved paths and is therefore ideal for winter.

The Keiheuvel walk is a spectacular stretch of sand reminiscent of the Sahara, with peaceful spots, fresh forest air and a sea of purple heather. After a few steps, a vast panorama of sandy plains, ponds and dune meadows lined with fragrant pine trees opens up. Despite their desert-like appearance, the dunes are full of life, home to larks, nightjars and a multitude of insects. After a detour along the canal to Beverlo, the walk reaches De Most. The low, wet valley contrasts with the high, dry Keiheuvel. The wetlands are home to rare plants and animals. De Most, a former hunting ground and resistance refuge, is now a haven of peace. The combination of these two environments makes Keiheuvel-De Most unique.

Schulen Lake and the adjacent marshes are part of the Wijers region , which is home to 1,001 ponds. It is a paradise not only for birds, but also for birdwatchers and walkers. Of course, bird populations vary depending on the season, but you will almost always see egrets, ducks, cormorants, coots, herons, geese and sometimes even the odd kingfisher. Goats and sheep are helping to rehabilitate some of the banks.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the church in Dranouter via Ravensberg in the Bailleul countryside. Pass by the Wijngaard Koudekot vineyard, which produces white, rosé and red wines.

Welcome to the Demer valley, where water, reeds and meadows form a living landscape, shaped by time and floods. Around the village of Schulen, the Gulkerveld is reminiscent of the former floodplain, once feared, now a refuge for birds and botanists.With its 700 hectares, the Schulensbroek nature reserve is one of the largest wetlands in Flanders. Herons, greylag geese, lapwings and bitterns share the ponds and meadows.The Halbekerdijk, an old dyke, bears witness to the struggle against the waters, while the drier Vijversheide contrasts with its pine and birch trees. The Schulensmeer, created to regulate the floods of the Demer, has become a paradise for aquatic wildlife.Area: +700 ha, origin: floodplain, special features: artificial lake turned reserve, migratory birds, wetland flora.Here, the water tells the story of the landscape and the passage of time.

Between Hasselt and the Demer valley lies a world of water and mist, shaped by floods and time. Herkenrode Abbey, founded in the 12th century, marks the starting point: a Cistercian stronghold, it recalls the ancient link between spirituality and nature.In Stokrooie, the landscape becomes wetter before reaching the Albert Canal, dug in the 20th century, a marriage between industry and ecology.The Wijvenheide nature reserve reveals its peaceful ponds, where herons, kingfishers and ospreys thrive. The Kleine Vijver, Witven and Grote Platwijer are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, between reed beds and floodplains.The Zonderikbeek and Vrankenschans meander through peat bogs and fields, witnesses to a time when the Demer shaped local life.The walk ends at the Bosvijver and the Vossen Kuil, where the silence of the water mingles with the breath of the wind.

In the heart of East Flanders, where the Scheldt river stretches out its peaceful arms, lies a land of water, woods and mysteries: Berlare Broek, Nieuwdonk, Maaidonk... names that whisper of nature and legends. Around the Donkmeer, a vast mirror of water, paths wind their way between wet meadows and old willow trees. Herons, kingfishers and deer remind us of the richness of unspoilt nature. Berlare Broek, a former peat bog, preserves the memory of a past when peat was extracted, before the water reclaimed its kingdom. Further on, Uitbergen Castle watches over the valley, and it is said that a white lady appears there on certain foggy evenings. Finally, between Paardenweide and Donhoeverpark, the Flanders of yesteryear reveals itself: a light breeze, reflections on the water and soothing silence.

Start and finish at the Dikkebus pond car park. The route crosses a meadow where, in summer, you may encounter cows grazing on the grass.

Discover the banks of the Bovenschelde, in the heart of the beautiful De Donk site, where water and land still tell their ancient stories. Here, geology and landscape come together to offer an authentic and peaceful natural environment.

The Heverleebos is mainly planted with majestic beech and pine trees and criss-crossed by magnificent avenues. A few winding paths break up the sometimes overly linear appearance of this forest area.

Departure and arrival at the car park of Loker Church via the countryside of Saint Jans Cappel and the Marguerite Yourcenar Nature Reserve at Mont Noir. Pass through the Douve Valley, which forms the border with France, and along Mont Rouge.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the cultural centre in 't Riet in Zillebeke. Passing through the woods of Zwarte Leen, Mont Sorrel, Zandvoorde, Sanctuary Wood, and the provincial domain of Vierlingen

Departure and arrival at the car park near Saint Médard Church in Wervik. Crossing the border on the Lys bridge. A passage is made at Wervicq-Sud. The path runs along the river to Chemin des Vaches, crosses the countryside of Bousbecque, Parc Dalle-Dumont, followed by crossing the border and the De Balokken nature reserve.

Departure and arrival at the car park of Loker church via the Westouter countryside. Crossing the Hellegatbos woods with a passage through the Hell Hole of Mont Rouge. Passing near the Baneberg mill in Westouter. Crossing the Douve valley, which forms the border between France and Belgium. Passing into France through the Mont Noir countryside in Saint Jans Cappel and the vineyards of Dranouter.

Pear, apple and cherry trees, as well as vines, strawberry plants and currant bushes, ensure the wealth and reputation of this part of Limburg's Hesbaye region for its fruit production. There are orchards galore to admire in spring when they are in bloom and later in the season when they are producing fruit.

Departure and arrival at the car park in front of the church in Wijtschate. Pass through the countryside of Houthem and Hollebeke, along the Kortrijk-Poperinge railway line and along the southern flank of the Palingbeek estate.

Pass Notre Dame Church, follow Bassevillestraat, cross Zuidlindestraat and take Naaikorfstraat. Pass the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. At the end, turn right onto Rue du Rossignol, then right onto Leeuwerkstraat and continue straight ahead onto the farm track, which can be quite muddy in winter.

Start and finish at the car park of the church in Dranouter via Monteberg, Lettenberg and Kemmelberg. Pass along the Monteberg vineyard and through the woods of the Kemmelberg provincial estate.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the church in Dranouter via Monteberg, the countryside of Kemmel and Loker. Passing by the vineyards of Monteberg, Kemmel and Loker. Passing by the French ossuary of the 1914-1918 war in Kemmel.

Departure and arrival at the car park of Wulvergem Church. Passing through Rosenberg, along dirt tracks and through fields that are wet and muddy in winter and close to the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard In the shadow of Mont Kemmel, the view overlooks the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south. The vineyard was planted in 2018.

Departure from the car park of Wulvergem church. Pass through Rosenberg, along dirt tracks and through fields that are wet and muddy in winter. Pass close to the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard, which was planted in 2018.In the shadow of Mont Kemmel, enjoy views of the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église. It is also possible to start from Wulvergem. Passing through Rosenberg, along dirt tracks and through fields that are wet and muddy in winter. The walk takes place near the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. In the shadow of Mont Kemmel, it overlooks the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Neuve Eglise via the countryside of Ploegsteert and Wulvergem Passing close to the Cense de l'Alouette vineyard. In the shadow of Mount Kemmel, the view overlooks the Douve to the north and the Lys valley to the south. The vineyard was planted in 2018 Passing close to the church of Wulvergem.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église. This route takes you through the countryside around Ploegsteert. The hike crosses a field and follows dirt paths through wet and muddy areas in winter. You can admire the Heuvelland countryside with its vineyards at the foot of the Kemmel and Monteberg mountains.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside around Ploegsteert This route crosses a field and is therefore quite muddy in winter Passes close to vineyards: there are two vineyard plots on this route

Departure from the car park on Kleine Leperstraat in Zandvoorde via Mount Sorrel, Hill 60, Caterpillar Crater, and the provincial domain of Palingbeek.

Walk along part of the First World War front line: the area between Hill 60 and Hill 62. You will also pass one of the most remarkable and interesting war museums in Belgium: the Sanctuary Wood Museum. A must-see. You can also have a drink there.Departure from the in 't Riet cultural centre via the visitor centre of the Palingbeek provincial estate and the Canadian site Hill 62.

Departure from Zillebeke, at the in 't Riet cultural centre, via the provincial estate of Palingbeek, the Caterpillar crater, Hill 60, Zwarte Leen, Mont Sorrel and Hill 62.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Neuve Église via the countryside of Ploegsteert and Nieppe The hike crosses a field and follows dirt paths through wet and muddy areas in winter. Pass through the Romarin district, which straddles France, Flanders and Belgium

This is a route on which I had fun concentrating as many difficulties as possible (more than 400 m of elevation gain). This gives it a somewhat labyrinthine feel, but it allows you to avoid tarmac as much as possible. So you walk from peak to peak on well-marked, clean paths. The use ofthe Visorando app is highly recommended, even though the numbering system is very practical.

Departure from the car park of Sint-Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren. Pass through the Dozinghembos, along anunpaved path in the Dozinghembos and partly between fields. Then into the forest that is part of the Sixtusbossen.Following this route, you will encounter several beautiful forests in this part of the province of West Flanders. You will also enjoy wide views of the agricultural landscape.

Start and finish at the car park of Boezinge church, with a walk along the canal that connects the Lys to the Yser. Boezinge was devastated during the First World War The town became a ghost town. Nothing remained of the buildings; the church was also completely destroyed. It was not until the summer of 1919 that the first inhabitants of Boezinge returned

Departure and arrival at the car park on Zwarteleenstraat in Zillebeke or at the following car parks: Kleine Ieperstraat in Zandvoorde, the Palingbeek estate in Hollebeke or Hill 60: Zwarteleenstraat 40 in Zillebeke

Start and finish at the car park of Saint-Médard Church in Wervik via the Lys, Menin, Halluin marina, Bousbecque and Wervicq-Sud. This route is part of the Montagne route in Wervicq-Sud.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the visitor centre of the provincial domain of Palingbeek, Vaartstraat 7 in Zillebeke. Other departure and arrival points are possible at the Hill 60 car park on Zwarteleenstraat in Zillebeke or at the car park on Zwarteleenstraat 7 in Zillebeke via Mont Sorrel.

Departing from the car park of Passchendaele Church, this walk takes you across the Passchendaele battlefield along the junction points. The phrase "across the Passchendaele battlefield along the junction points" refers to the Sunflower Walk, created in 2024 on the sites of the former battles in Passchendaele, Belgium. This route guides you through the historic battlefield by following junction points (or connection points), linking major places of interest such as Tyne Cot Cemetery and other First World War heritage memorial sites.

Departure from the car park at Dekemelelaan 31 in Boezinge via Hagebos. Boezinge was devastated during the First World War and became a ghost village. Nothing remained of the buildings; the church was also completely destroyed. It was not until the summer of 1919 that the first inhabitants of Boezinge returned.