(S/E) Starting from the ‘Gros Chêne’ on the forest road (N867) linking Vlessart (Léglise) to Heinstert (Attert), the walk heads first north-west towards the Rulles, which it crosses at a place known as ‘La passée du Cerf’ (1).
(1) A lovely little detour to the right at this point follows the course of the Rulles northwards to the confluence of the ‘Ruisseau de la passée du Cerf’ and the magnificent firebreak that guides it along its final gurgling stretch.
(1) Return to the main route to follow the course of the Rulles down its right bank – very close in places, a little further away in others – as far as the ‘Étang de la Fabrique’ (4), which forms part of the ‘Forges du Pont d’Oye’ lake complex.
(5) The route crosses the dam downstream and follows the pond back up the opposite bank, then heads through the woods towards the village of Nobressart … which can be reached as an optional detour of over 2 km.
(6) Cross the N87 (caution: traffic can be quite heavy at times and vehicles travel at high speeds) once, (7) twice, to find yourself near a splendid fishing pond (8) nestled in its lush green setting (private property).
The walk continues towards the ‘Bois de la Fontaine Martin Carélie’ (9), which is in fact a magnificent clearing filled with broom that should delight the eyes and the spirit around mid-May.
(9) Just over a kilometre and a half to go to reach the starting point (S/E).
The descent along the Rulles
Mainly through woodland, this walk offers a delightful variety of trees and shrubs, whilst providing beautiful wild flowers and berries, as well as lovely undergrowth depending on the season. Walking here in silence is sure to increase your chances of encountering small—or not-so-small—wildlife as you round a bend in the path.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 10.13 mi -
Average duration: 5h 20 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 814 ft -
Descent: - 830 ft -
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Highest point: 1,568 ft -
Lowest point: 1,273 ft
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Country:
Belgium
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Area: Massif des Ardennes -
City:
Martelange -
Start/End: N 49.775363° / E 5.711911° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,503 ft - N867 – ‘Gros Chêne’ locality
- 1 : mi 0.67 - alt. 1,417 ft - La Passée du Cerf
- 2 : mi 1.34 - alt. 1,394 ft - N867
- 3 : mi 3.86 - alt. 1,319 ft - Picnic shelter
- 4 : mi 4.04 - alt. 1,316 ft - Étang de la Fabrique
- 5 : mi 4.83 - alt. 1,309 ft - Etang de la Fabrique dam
- 6 : mi 7.19 - alt. 1,437 ft - N87 – dangerous crossing
- 7 : mi 7.86 - alt. 1,427 ft - N87 – dangerous crossing
- 8 : mi 8.15 - alt. 1,335 ft - Fishing pond (private property)
- 9 : mi 9.05 - alt. 1,424 ft - Bois de la Fontaine Martin Carélie
- S/E : mi 10.13 - alt. 1,503 ft - N867 – Gros Chêne hamlet
Notes
Picnic table at (S/E) and under a shelter at (3).
Worth a visit
Off the route, south of (5): the Forges du Pont d’Oye, its pond, restaurant and castle (private). Accessible via the left bank of the Rulles.
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