Ronquières inclined plane, Canal and Old Brussels-Charleroi Canal

(S/E) From the car park, with your back to the canal, turn left towards the south and the bottom of the inclined plane.

(1) Now turn your back on the inclined plane and head north along the Grand Canal Brussels-Charleroi for just over 2.5 km.

(2) After the second bridge, take the hairpin bend to the left, cross the bridge then immediately turn right (where there are picnic tables) and continue along the path southwards, which soon descends onto the towpath. Finally, continue along this path to retrace the route taken on the way there, but on the other bank of the canal. The whole route is approximately 2.5 km.

(3) Cross the third bridge, then take the path on the left and follow it along the old canal for just over 3.3 km.

(4) After lock no. 24, leave the old canal by taking the path that climbs to the right, then cross this stretch of countryside by continuing straight ahead for 600 m.

(5) At the junction, stay on the main road, turning left until the next fork.

(6) Turn right and continue for just over 1.5 km towards the tower, which can be seen in the distance.

(7) Cross the road, go under the canals and take the path on the right. Continue for about 400 m.

(8) Climb the steps on the left, then take the path on the right which leads back to the car park after about 1.4 km (S/E).

The most picturesque part of the route runs alongside the old canal. So if you’re short on time, you can avoid the return journey along the Grand Canal du Centre (between points (1) and (3)).

• The Ronquières inclined plane.
• The disused locks of the old canal.
• The houseboat village.