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 lovely little walk around the enchanting Sept Fontaines ponds between Rhode-Saint-Genèse and Braine l'Alleud. It also takes you off the beaten track through the surrounding countryside and forests.

A pleasant short hike near Loker and Le Mont Rouge, with easy-to-use numbered markings.

A long walk in Belgium, a little flat, but the length makes up for it. It will allow you to discover beautiful lakes, the Palingbeek estate and part of the ramparts of Ypres. It may be a little monotonous, but it is sometimes pleasant to hike on well-maintained trails with good signposting. Our Pas-de-Calais has some progress to make in this area. The signposting system is the same as for the Mont Kemmel and Mont Rouge walks.

This is a more family-friendly version of my two other hikes on Mont Rouge. It's short but with a good elevation gain. Half of the route is in the countryside and half in the woods, with a minimum of tarmac. Enough to keep you busy for half a day while getting plenty of fresh air!

A pleasant route in Belgium. This is the Sentier des Gueux (Geuzen walking route), the end of which I have modified. It uses the same signposting as the Mont Kemmel and Mont Rouge routes. It is an easy walk along small roads, wide farm tracks and some very pleasant paths (including a "paved slanting street"!).

Return to Mont Rouge, passing through the Bois du Mont Noir. Enjoy a beautiful stroll through the woods, ending with a superb (and challenging) staircase. Be careful, as soon as it gets a little wet, the paths become very difficult and you can sometimes find yourself with mud up to your mid-shoes. This was the case this morning (19 November 2021).

A pleasant walk in the north-western part of the town of Tongeren, following old tree-lined railway tracks, crossing the Herkwinning Nature Reserve and taking in a few castles and fortified farms in a varied environment of copses, low-stem orchards, meadows and fields. Route proposed by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

A very pleasant hike: lots of woodland, very few small roads and some beautiful clearings. A good half-day in the great outdoors. This hike can be combined with a stroll through the Palingbeek Estate for a route of about 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and Gasthuisbossen).

A magnificent walk starting from the village of Fouron-le-Comte ('s-Gravenvoeren in Dutch), somewhat hilly, passing through the Altenbroek woodland reserve and venturing partially beyond the Belgian-Dutch border.

Another way to approach Kemmel, this time from the east. There are some sections in common with the first hike, but the paths are taken in the opposite direction, which allows you to enjoy them in a different way. And we can thank our Belgian neighbours for the quantity and quality of the trails they offer us.

A cross-border walk between East Flanders and Hainaut. This route takes in a varied landscape, mainly rural, but also featuring hedgerows and woodland. The terrain remains gentle in this undulating region.

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.

A lovely cool walk when it’s hot in the Palingbeek Estate, which is remarkably well-maintained considering we’re in Belgium.There are numerous paths on the site; I recommend using the app.For history buffs, there are plenty of information boards (in multiple languages!). Please note, it gets very busy at weekends. This walk can be combined with the Gasthuisbossen for a route of around 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and the Gasthuisbossen)

When the weather becomes a little wetter, you can still hike on Mont Rouge. This route alternates between small roads (with little traffic), paths and forest trails, which makes it a little less strenuous. It is a winding route, so the app is very useful. There is quite a bit of elevation gain and, in wet weather, the trails are quite slippery. The walk is therefore quite tiring (equivalent to a 25 km route).

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.

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 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.

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.

Pear, apple and cherry trees, a few vines and strawberry plants ensure the richness and reputation for fruit-growing of this part of the Limburg Hesbaye. Orchards galore to admire in spring during the blossom and later in the season for their fruit production.

Located south-east of Geel and south-west of Mol and Balen, the municipality of Meerhout remains relatively untouched by the growing encroachment of housing and industry of all kinds. So make the most of it while you can, and that is exactly what this circular route offers: the chance to explore the region’s forests, countryside and heathland, along with a few canals and rivers –pure bliss.

A fairly varied walk around the Albert Canal and part of Montagne Saint-Pierre, including a short detour into Dutch territory. The route passes by Neercanne Castle, where the Maastricht Treaty was signed on 9 December 1991.

A 5 km circular route, largely shaded, in and around the pretty and very peaceful Kwadebeek Valley (which is a ‘natuurpunt’ in Rhode-Saint-Genèse). No traffic noise (what a joy!) but plenty of birdsong in spring.

Hiking between legends and secret valleys in the Hageland. Sint-Pieters-Rode is a peaceful village at the gateway to the Hageland with paths steeped in history. Why is hiking magical? Because it has a varied geography, unique geology, rich flora and fauna, and legends everywhere. It is an immersion in nature, history and imagination.

The Limburg Campine region is home to many gems, including several nature reserves with magnificent sand dunes. This walk crosses the Oudsberg nature reserve on the last authorised paths, offering alternating landscapes of heathland and pine or deciduous forests (beech, birch, etc.). Although the entire route is relatively flat, the nature reserve, at the geographical centre of the route, is quite hilly for the region.Of course, the sand under the snow is only visible in certain places. However, without the snow, the sand is clearly visible in the heart of the Oudsberg nature reserve. Most of the route is wooded, but the landscape is a little more rural at the eastern and northern ends. Hike without description to be followed with the Visorando app.

Departure and arrival near the Church of Saint-Médard in Wijtschate via the Spanbroekmolen Krater. This is part of the Crater and Mine route, which passes through key battle sites from the 1914-1918 war, including the historic site of the British military cemetery and its crater: Spanbroekmolen. The route also passes close to the British military cemeteries of Lone Tree, Irish House and Wijtschaete Cemetery.

Departure and arrival at the car park near the Church of Saint Médard in Wijtschate via the Wulvergem countryside and the Kampagnebos woods This hike partly follows the route called Craters and Mines

In the Pays de Herve, known for its hedgerows and livestock farming, Aubel is the land of syrup made from apples, pears and, in some cases, sugar beet... a real treat for many enthusiasts. The Fourons, which became a Limburg enclave after the political and linguistic disputes between Flemish and Walloons ended in the late 20th century, offer the same type of rolling countryside, but with a little more woodland. The region is also renowned, like the English countryside, for its countless country lanes, cattle grids, turnstiles and gates that prevent livestock from escaping onto the roads, into fields or into neighbours' pastures. Hikers will discover monumental churches as well as countless crosses, chapels and shrines.

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.

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 centre, 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.

A long stretch along the slopes of Mont Kemmel to discover the Lettenberg, a small hill near Kemmel (perhaps the result of the union between Mont Rouge and Mont Kemmel?). The rest of the route is fairly standard, but passes through areas that are often very damp. And as always in this area, the elevation gain is quite significant. Avoid this walk in early August, during the Dranouter Festival.

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