Mémorial de la bataille de Waterloo et butte du Lion walks

This is a magnificent walk that can be enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike. It takes place almost entirely in the beautiful countryside of Walloon Brabant, amongst fields, meadows and woodland. The surfaces vary: tarmac, old cobblestones, farm tracks and footpaths. In autumn, pheasants are everywhere and you may be lucky enough to spot a herd of does emerging from beneath the trees at the edge of a wood to feed on fresh grass in a meadow.

Starting from the 1815 site, this circular route takes you across fields to explore the sweeping landscapes of the Plancenoit and Braine-l’Alleud area, the site of Napoleon’s final battle. Largely along country lanes, you’ll be accompanied by the song of the lark and the call of the pheasant. If you’re lucky, in the early morning you might spot a roe deer coming out to feed. And, for history buffs, there are a few reminders of the battle at the start and end of the route.

Starting from a well-known memorial site – Site 1815, the site of Napoleon’s final battle – your walk will take you over hill and dale to discover the beautiful countryside of this corner of Walloon Brabant, in a large circular route that brings you back to Site 1815, giving you the chance to visit the museum. Paved roads, country lanes, paths that may be dry or muddy depending on the weather, fields stretching as far as the eye can see and a few patches of woodland, two golf courses that you’ll walk alongside or across, birdsong and, who knows, perhaps a few deer in a meadow at daybreak… that’s what this walk has in store. 

A circular route starting from Site 1815 to explore the natural surroundings of the Waterloo and Braine-l’Alleud area. One slight hiccup: I have to pick up my two teammates – aged 10 and 12 – on Rue Bodrissart in Le Chenois, Waterloo, which means exploring some residential neighbourhoods before heading out to discover the countryside to the west of these two towns. The advantage is that this route is easy to start from either the indicated starting point or Waterloo station, which is close to Rue Bodrissart. Apart from that, roads, tracks and footpaths wind through woods and fields, taking in the Paradis ponds and the site of the 1815 battlefield.

A long circular walk starting from Site 1815 in Braine-l’Alleud (incorrectly referred to as ‘Waterloo’) which takes in some of the villages involved in Napoleon’s battles on 18 June 1815. The route is mainly rural, offering lovely views of the countryside and the surrounding woods.

Here is a long and challenging circular route, with numerous ascents and descents, through woodland or open countryside, taking in tarmac roads, cobbled streets, gravel paths, dirt tracks and sandy terrain. All this whilst avoiding built-up areas as much as possible and staying in the countryside.

This walking tour of Wallonia, which includes the German-speaking part of Belgium, is a circular route that generally follows the borders as closely as possible, whether linguistic or territorial. This sometimes involves forays into neighbouring territories – France, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Flemish Region. Occasionally, the route also deviates from this due to accommodation requirements or because suitable accommodation could not be found close to the borders, whilst still adhering to various constraints.

From town to town, this final stage takes us from Louvain-la-Neuve to Braine-l’Alleud, once again favouring country roads and lanes as well as the little-known paths of Walloon Brabant. A thoroughly enjoyable and surprising final stage that is an absolute must-see.