L’Orneau, Falnuée and the Spy Man: a nature break

Set off on a superb 22 km mountain bike ride to discover the region’s magnificent landscapes!

From the very first pedal strokes, you’ll ride through the woods of the Spy Man’s Cave, a place steeped in history and surrounded by unspoilt nature. You’ll then follow the peaceful banks of the Orneau to the splendid Falnuée golf course, where the tranquillity and greenery offer an exceptional setting.

The route will then take you through the beautiful countryside of Mazy, along country lanes, open vistas and pleasant little paths. Finally, you’ll return to your starting point, enjoying one last glimpse of the charm of the stream, the golf course surroundings and the forest.

An ideal outing for mountain bikers seeking nature, relaxation and new discoveries!

Details

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  • Mountain biking
    Activity: Mountain biking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.69 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 932 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 932 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 545 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 322 ft
  • ⚐ Country: Belgium
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 50.480307° / E 4.684243°

  • ◶
    Type of surface:
  •  
     
     
     51% Road  22% Byway  27% Path
  • ⇧
    Bike carrying: Not specified
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Description of the route

The walk starts from the car park at the end of Rue du Pajot in Spy, at the start of the path leading to the famous Spy Man Cave. This starting point immediately immerses you in the natural, woodland atmosphere of the route.

Please note, however: the paths through the woods near the cave can become very muddy depending on the weather. Furthermore, the access route along the Orneau river can sometimes be impassable during heavy rain, particularly at the culvert under the railway line.

For greater convenience, you can also start and finish the walk at the car park by the Mazy football ground. Easily accessible, spacious and completely free, it’s an excellent alternative for enjoying the route at your leisure.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 486 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.85 - alt. 335 ft - Crossroads
  3. 2 : mi 0.89 - alt. 325 ft - Narrow bridge - Orneau (rivière) - Belgique
  4. 3 : mi 1.29 - alt. 322 ft - Bridge
  5. 4 : mi 1.7 - alt. 384 ft - Natura 2000 site: lovely view of Orneau - Orneau (rivière) - Belgique
  6. 5 : mi 1.84 - alt. 374 ft - Motorcycle barrier
  7. 6 : mi 1.92 - alt. 374 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  8. 7 : mi 1.97 - alt. 384 ft - Slippery cobblestones
  9. 8 : mi 3.56 - alt. 466 ft - Ruts on the descent
  10. 9 : mi 4.58 - alt. 387 ft - Villeret
  11. 10 : mi 5.62 - alt. 413 ft - La Salandre
  12. 11 : mi 7.21 - alt. 476 ft - Al Vau
  13. 12 : mi 10.15 - alt. 354 ft - Car park - Orneau (rivière) - Belgique
  14. 13 : mi 11.09 - alt. 371 ft - Bois Thibaut
  15. S/E : mi 13.69 - alt. 486 ft - Car park

Worth a visit

This magnificent region invites you to discover a collection of iconic sites, set within a varied and soothing natural environment. Throughout the route, you’ll follow the peaceful banks of the Orneau, a charming little river that winds its way through woods and meadows. You’ll also pass through the superb surroundings of Falnuée Golf Course, with its vast green expanses offering an open and relaxing landscape.

You’ll also set off to explore the Mazy countryside, with its rural lanes, fields and views typical of the region. Finally, the famous Spy Cave rounds off this walk, a major prehistoric site linked to the discovery of the Spy Man, a true witness to our distant past.

A blend of nature, heritage and wide open spaces.

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