The Himalayan-style footbridge over the Semois

Let’s set off to discover the treasures and natural beauty of the Semois in its entirely wooded stretch between Sainte-Cécile and Herbeumont. As well as views of various meanders and the medieval castle of Herbeumont from the heights, the walk follows the river upstream for several kilometres before reaching the Himalayan-style footbridge, which was opened in early summer 2026. Although the route follows the left bank exclusively, crossing the Semois back and forth at height on the footbridge is an experience not to be missed (except for those prone to vertigo).

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.59 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,243 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,217 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,430 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 889 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Although there is no systematic description of the waypoints and junctions, the route is easy to follow using the GPS track downloaded via the Visorando app. A few trickier junctions or points of interest warrant a more detailed explanation… as follows:

(4) Veer slightly off the path and head into the woodland to enjoy the view of the valley below.

(6) Shortly after the cave developed by the Benedictine monks (in 1923), do not miss the GR® junction to the left leading down towards the Semois. Note that about 150 metres past this Y-junction, between the footpath and the track above, there is a lovely spot for a picnic, a nap or simply a moment of solitude in the strange, watertight and airtight hut.

(7) The Vanne aux Moines is also a structure built by the Benedictines of Conques Abbey. Its purpose was to facilitate fishing. Further on, after the bend, ignore the first signpost indicating you should take the path leading uphill to the right to reach the Himalayan footbridge. Continuing along the Semois, you can see this famous footbridge from below and, if the water level is low enough, admire it from the middle of the river.

(8) As explained in the practical information, crossing the footbridge is included in the GPS route for this walk, but it is entirely optional for those who suffer from vertigo or simply do not wish to attempt it.

(10) After crossing the small bridge over the Relogne stream, the path reveals, to the right and below, the exit from the old Sainte-Cécile railway tunnel. There is a sort of wooden barrier there, forming a low passageway in the fence that protects the cutting of the old railway line. You need to step over this small wooden barrier and take the path that descends towards the bed of the old railway line; at the bottom, turn left – in other words, do not enter the tunnel!

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,132 ft - Union Cécilienne
  2. 1 : mi 1.59 - alt. 1,335 ft - The Brûlés Ponds
  3. 2 : mi 2.42 - alt. 1,263 ft - Libaipire Viewpoint No. 1
  4. 3 : mi 2.61 - alt. 1,220 ft - Libaipire Viewpoint No. 2
  5. 4 : mi 3.13 - alt. 1,250 ft - Viewpoint over the Conques Valley
  6. 5 : mi 4.35 - alt. 1,188 ft - N884
  7. 6 : mi 5.44 - alt. 1,004 ft - The Benedictine Caves (1923) - Semoy (rivière)
  8. 7 : mi 7.73 - alt. 932 ft - Vanne aux Moines - Semoy (rivière)
  9. 8 : mi 9.13 - alt. 1,106 ft - Himalayan-style footbridge - Passerelle himalayenne de Sainte Cecile
  10. 9 : mi 10.51 - alt. 1,024 ft - Viewpoint over the - Semoy (rivière)
  11. 10 : mi 11 - alt. 1,135 ft - Exit from the Sainte-Cécile tunnel
  12. S/E : mi 11.59 - alt. 1,132 ft - Union Cécilienne

Notes

The return trip across the footbridge is included in the route (GPS track) but is entirely optional. Those who do not wish to cross it can simply admire this marvel of steel from its southern anchor point.

Worth a visit

The Semois Valley from Arlon to Monthermé
Florenville: Orval Abbey
Herbeumont: the ruins of the medieval castle

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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