Engineering structures around Strépy-Bracquegnies

(S/E) Go to the end of the car park towards the lift, then take the path on the left that climbs steeply to the left and then to the right for 750 metres.

(1) Take Rue de la Plage on the right at the crossroads to pass under the canals.

(2) Turn left at the fork to join the road. Follow it on the left for a little over 500 m.

(3) Leave the road and take the path up to the left towards the upper canal for 200 metres.

(4) Walk along the canal on the left towards the lift.

(5) Turn around.

(4) Follow the canal opposite for about 3 km until you cross the canal bridge.

(6) Take the path downhill to the right, pass under the bridge, go down the large staircase and then, at the bottom, turn left to join the road. Once you reach it, turn right and continue to the roundabout. The whole distance is about 500 metres.

(7) Turn left onto the road going downhill and follow it for just under 700 metres.

(8) Take the road on the left, which descends, then when you reach the fork at the bottom, take the road on the right for just under 300 metres.

(9) Leave the road and take the steps on the left leading to the village. At the top of the steps, stay on Rue Malapatte on the right. At the corner, leave the street and take the path opposite, which runs alongside the house.

(10) Cross the street and continue along the path opposite until you reach the canal, a little less than 200 metres away.

(11) Walk up the canal on the left until you reach the bridge, which you must cross to get to the other side. From there, turn right and walk along the canal on your right for just over 1.2 km.

(12) Cross the bridge to the other side and take the path on the left, which is more pleasant. Follow this path to the next lock, about 3.3 km away.

(13) Turn right, then left, and walk down along the canal, then turn right and right again towards the lift, which you will reach after about 1.5 km.

(14) With a bit of luck, you may see boats entering or leaving the ferry. Take the path that winds up to the entrance of the lift at the footbridge. After crossing it, head to the car park on the left (S/E).

• The locks of the Canal du Centre and the Strépy-Thieu funicular lift.