A walk around the Terhills slag heaps

Terhills is, above all, the former site of the Eisden coal mine, with its four slag heaps – three of which are open to the public – its two headframes over the old shafts, and the large management and engineers’ building, which has been magnificently restored and converted into a luxury hotel.
Terhills is also the site of a former gravel quarry. It has now become a vast natural area open to the public, with several signposted walking routes starting from the main entrance to the Haute-Campine National Park, situated next to the hotel.
There is also a holiday village, the Terhills Resort, situated on the north-western shore of the lake, as well as a water sports centre, the Terhills Cablepark, located on the north-eastern shore of the lake.

Details

n°30470802
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.65 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 472 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 469 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 361 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 118 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Hikers can enjoy some lovely views both from the top of the spoil heaps (do not underestimate the effort required to climb them, especially the two in the middle of the walk) and from the top of the headframe at the start of the route (please note: there are around 140 steps to climb via an open-tread metal staircase – not recommended for those prone to vertigo).
The lake’s shores are also very pretty and more or less photogenic depending on the time of year and the amount of sunshine.
A few butterflies in season, a few waterbirds in almost all weathers, the occasional trace of wild boar here and there, and birch trees everywhere on this former coal-mining site.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 131 ft - Maasmechelen Tourist Info car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.23 - alt. 151 ft - Headframe
  3. 2 : mi 2.4 - alt. 331 ft - Slag heap – 133 metres
  4. 3 : mi 2.69 - alt. 351 ft - Slag heap – 126 metres
  5. 4 : mi 3.59 - alt. 138 ft - A bench for a picnic break
  6. 5 : mi 4.53 - alt. 164 ft - Old railway line
  7. 6 : mi 6.54 - alt. 315 ft - Slag heap – 108 metres
  8. S/E : mi 7.65 - alt. 131 ft - Maasmechelen Tourist Info car park

Notes

There are plenty of benches, particularly at the top of the spoil heaps, as well as a few picnic tables.

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