The Buffalo Trail in Étrœungt

This route, in the heart of the Thiérache and the Lower Helpe Valley, passes through very wet areas. It is intended for experienced walkers given the nature of the terrain.

Details

1557493
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 111 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 113 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 194 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 152 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start at Étrœugnt church. Car park.

(S/E) Facing the church, head to the right of the building. After the square and the Town Hall, go down the steps on the left. At the bottom, turn right into Rue de Fontaines then follow the narrow path on the left which crosses the Helpe Mineure and leads to the mill.

(1) Continue to the right, pass in front of the mill then under the RN2.

(2) At the junction, head up to the left for 200 m, then take the path on the left, opposite the house.

(3) Follow the RD123 to the left, then, at the T-junction, head downhill to the right.

(4) Turn right, then left, and cross the hamlet of Les Orniaux. Head up towards the Roteleux farm, veering right at the fork.

(5) At Roteleux, head down to the right along the wide path between the hedges. At the junction, continue to the left and, after a cross, turn right to join the RD123. Turn left and walk for 250 m.

(6) Follow the Chemin de la Chapelle du Buffle to the right until you reach a road at a place called Touvent.

(7) First turn left then right and continue towards La Capelette.

(8) Cross the road, cross the Helpe Mineure via the footbridge and follow the grassy path.

(9) Follow the road to the right and cross the hamlet of Le Buffle. In the past, there used to be a pond, a mill and a footbridge here, guarded by two Spanish forts.

(10) Take the road on the right overlooking the valley to the hamlet of La Chéroque.

(11) Follow the path to the right which runs alongside and then passes under the A20. 200m after the underpass, you will find the steps on the left and the church square on the right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 169 m - Étroeugnt Church
  2. 1 : km 0.55 - alt. 154 m - Mill
  3. 2 : km 1.11 - alt. 164 m - Crossroads, turn left
  4. 3 : km 1.71 - alt. 181 m - RD123, on the left
  5. 4 : km 2.68 - alt. 162 m - The hamlet of Les Orniaux.
  6. 5 : km 3.85 - alt. 193 m - Roteleux, on the right
  7. 6 : km 5.42 - alt. 192 m - Chemin de la Chapelle du Buffle
  8. 7 : km 6.98 - alt. 190 m - Touvent, on the right
  9. 8 : km 7.78 - alt. 180 m - Route
  10. 9 : km 8.79 - alt. 162 m - Turn right at the fork, hamlet of Le Buffle
  11. 10 : km 9.57 - alt. 184 m - Crossroads, turn right
  12. 11 : km 10.97 - alt. 172 m - La Chéroque
  13. S/E : km 11.55 - alt. 169 m - Étroeugnt Church

Notes

Waterproof footwear is essential almost all year round.

Route listed in the PDIPR (Departmental Plan for Walking and Hiking Routes). Yellow markings.

Short alternative route: 7 km
Follow the start of the main route description.
At point (2), go straight on, following the yellow and red markings ofthe GR® de Pays Avesnois-Thiérache. Turn left, head straight on through the hamlet of Touvent to reach point (7). Follow the description of the main route to complete the walk.

Worth a visit

(S/E) The blue-stone Saint-Martin Church (1570) was extensively rebuilt following a fire in 1766.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
SERGE B
SERGE B

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk through the countryside. It’s easy to follow the route. However, the paths are very, very muddy in places at this time of year.

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burlion dominique
burlion dominique

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route, but make sure you wear suitable footwear (it can get muddy)

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jean-pierre 59
jean-pierre 59

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk to explore the Avesnois countryside, with quiet tarmac roads and pleasant footpaths, though these can be very muddy at times. The Bufle site is well worth a visit!

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ninite
ninite

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A casual hiker can easily complete the route

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