The Anciennes Troufferies de Libin Nature Reserves

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.

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.

The source of the Lesse is situated in the forest to the east of Ochamps.After barely 2 km, the river flows past the farms and the old La Goutelle mill, winding its way through the countryside towards Ochamps in a series of lovely meanders.This walk invites you to discover them after completing a long circular route that follows forest paths and tracks, the condition of which varies depending on the season and forestry work. The walk crosses a few streams, some with footbridges and some without, follows a short stretch of tarmac and includes sections over wooden walkways in the lovely Troufferies nature reserve.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.