Whilst there are ways to shorten the route here and there, unfortunately there is no way to avoid the few hundred metres of road between (S/E) and the N40.
Please note: the OpenStreetMap base map sometimes shows paths or tracks that do not exist on the ground. You should rely on the IGN topographical map instead. Above all, stay on the paths and do not take any paths or firebreaks where access is clearly prohibited. These are wildlife sanctuaries and any infringement is liable to a hefty fine.
Also take care when crossing the N40 twice: traffic is quite heavy and travelling at high speed. Furthermore, visibility during the first crossing between (1) and (3) is rather poor.
There are very few benches along the route: the first is shortly after (5), another a little further on, and a third can be found between (7) and (8).
La Roche de Contranhé and the Troufferies de Libin Nature Reserve
Set entirely within woodland, apart from a stretch of about 500 metres after the first crossing of the N40, this walk alternates between tracks, paths, areas of deciduous trees, areas of conifers, clear-cut areas, tall trees, small trees, grassy areas and other undergrowth, making for a very pleasant route where monotony never sets in.
The first real point of interest you’ll come across is the old Arfaye quarry, where kaolin was once mined. It’s not the only one in the region: there’s another one along the road between Libin and Smuid.
The Roche de Colanhé is worth a mention and a brief stop, as this type of rock is rare in this part of the Lomme basin.
‘Troufferie’ means ‘peat bog’ in Walloon. The entire area to the east of the route forms a landscape of peat bogs, mudflats and heathland, which is rather rare in this part of the Ardennes. The peat bogs are no longer worked, but some peaty areas are currently being restored.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 11.27 mi -
Average duration: 6h 05 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,037 ft -
Descent: - 1,033 ft -
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Highest point: 1,713 ft -
Lowest point: 1,257 ft
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Country:
Belgium
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Area: Massif des Ardennes -
City:
Libin -
Start/End: N 49.957427° / E 5.277535° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,565 ft - Route de Glaireuse
- 1 : mi 1.23 - alt. 1,529 ft - Reservoir
- 2 : mi 1.74 - alt. 1,581 ft - N40
- 3 : mi 2.14 - alt. 1,565 ft - Footbridge, forest path
- 4 : mi 2.22 - alt. 1,549 ft - Former Arfaye quarry
- 5 : mi 5.26 - alt. 1,263 ft - Fagne de Tailsus stream
- 6 : mi 5.86 - alt. 1,407 ft - Cotranhé Rock
- 7 : mi 6.76 - alt. 1,424 ft - Pelzer firs
- 8 : mi 7.22 - alt. 1,368 ft - Large Fontaine Stream
- 9 : mi 7.73 - alt. 1,535 ft - Courbôle
- 10 : mi 9.04 - alt. 1,654 ft - Roumont Castle
- 11 : mi 11 - alt. 1,604 ft - N40
- S/E : mi 11.27 - alt. 1,565 ft - Route de Glaireuse
Notes
Other walks in the area
The Libin Truffle Fields
Visorando Member
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+299 ft
-299 ft
2h 00
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Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
Troufferies: a Walloon word meaning peat bogs, i.e. a place where peat is extracted. Peat was extracted in Libin from the Middle Ages until the 1930s. Come and stroll through a forest landscape of marshes, peat bogs, mud flats and moors... unusual in this part of the Ardennes.
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+377 ft
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An eight-shaped route to the legendary site of Rocher du Cuy, also known as Roche aux Nutons, and the Villance forest. Nutons are creatures from Belgian and Ardennes folklore, often described as small, skilful beings living in caves and near waterways.
Bané Campsite – Villance
15.10 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,716 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
This second section runs along the eastern boundary of the municipality of Libin. After a night at the Bané campsite, explore the Anciennes Troufferies Nature Reserve and the Noire Eau valley as it joins the Lomme, before finishing at the former kaolin quarry in Libin.
Forest paths and country roads in Villance
4.46 mi
+377 ft
-381 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
Circular route in the Ardennes forest in the Libin region, combining forest paths, trails and quiet country roads for the last two kilometres. Set off to discover the Devil's Stone, the Haute Lesse, the Pont de la Justice and Notre-Dame de Taillevent.
Villance – Bané Bivouac
17.24 mi
+1,381 ft
-1,033 ft
9h 10
Difficult
Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
This first section runs along the western and southern boundaries of the municipality of Libin. Discover the Anloy military cemetery and the First World War memorial steles in Ochamps. Pass close to the Source de la Lesse and finish at the Bané campsite.
Two days between Lesse and Lomme around Libin
32.33 mi
+2,740 ft
-2,749 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
A wooded walk through the Grande Forêt de Saint-Hubert, amongst rivers and streams.
The route takes you on a journey of discovery to the source of the Lesse, the old truffle grounds of Libin and its former kaolin quarry. Explore the valleys of this magnificent region at your own pace.
Étang des Moines and Haut-Fourneau de Marsolle
7.41 mi
+873 ft
-879 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Libin (Province de Luxembourg)
From the village of Smuid (pronounced Smoui), discover the Étang des Moines and the remains of the Marsolle blast furnace.
Walk in Val de Poix
5.78 mi
+554 ft
-541 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Hubert (Belgique) (Province de Luxembourg)
Circular forest to discover the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours, the Rocher Marie Gobaille and ending along the Lomme with its two 19th-century buildings, formerly hydroelectric power stations.
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