Sint-Genesius-Rode walks

A 5 km circular route, largely shaded, in and around the pretty and very peaceful Kwadebeek Valley (which is a ‘natuurpunt’ in Rhode-Saint-Genèse). No traffic noise (what a joy!) but plenty of birdsong in spring.

A lovely little walk where you can enjoy the coolness of the Sonian Forest on hot days or the magnificent autumn colours. In spring, carpets of hyacinths and anemones add touches of blue and pinkish-white to certain parts of the forest.

A splendid piece of nature to discover near the capital, straddling the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant. Half countryside, half forest, the walk is only semi-urban around km 5, along the railway line, and between km 9 and 10 in a residential area on either side of the Ermite crossroads.

A very beautiful and varied route, set against the backdrop of the Sonian Forest.

Walk between the two Brabants, through residential neighbourhoods and fields… A stroll through quiet neighbourhoods, perfect for walking with family or friends.

Set off to explore a walk through fields, woods and orchards in the countryside around Rhode-Saint-Genèse. This walk takes in the communal orchard, which has been laid out in a fun and original way, views over small valleys, walks through meadows among cows and horses, and remarkable trees.

A lovely little walk around the enchanting Sept Fontaines ponds between Rhode-Saint-Genèse and Braine l'Alleud. It also takes you off the beaten track through the surrounding countryside and forests.

There are plenty of forest paths and uneven surfaces. The route starts in the Chenois neighbourhood, heading towards Rhode-St-Genèse. It’s a long ride through the forest towards the Groenendaele ponds, passing by the Château des 3 Fontaines and then the Rouge-Cloitre. You should then head towards the cycle bridge over the ring road. The return route takes you via Notre-Dame au Bois (with plenty of places to stop: speciality beers, tartine with fromage blanc and mussels, etc.), Hoeilart, then La Hulpe (near Solvay Park), the Royal Estate of Argenteuil, a cycle path running alongside the ring road towards the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and the Waterloo Ducks’ hockey ground, returning via the centre of Waterloo.

This is a direct route that runs along the edge of the Soignes Forest. There are few roads and the junctions are safe. One tricky spot is when crossing the junction under the Hermann-Debroux viaduct. There is another route further to the east which passes through a lovely neighbourhood in Auderghem before reaching the Sonian Forest and crossing it.

Starting from the Seven Fountains Ponds, this circular walk takes you through a variety of landscapes: ponds, rivers, woods, meadows and fields, spread out on either side of the linguistic border – a border of language, but not a border in nature. How many times during the walk do you find yourself wondering: “Which Brabant am I in? Flemish Brabant or Walloon Brabant?”

Linkebeek is one of the municipalities on the outskirts of Brussels. This walk takes in unspoilt landscapes, despite being close to the capital. These consist of woods, fields, meadows, parks, ponds and a small stream: the Linkebeek, which you follow for part of this walk.

The main route starts at Prince d'Orange and enters the Sonian Forest. Then head towards Boitsfort and the Ponds of the Drowned Children. The path then joins Hermite Pond before returning to Prince d'Orange.

The route follows three streams in the forest: the Bocq, the Vuylbeek and the Source Laineuse. It is a circular route best tackled in dry weather. Normally, the route follows footpaths. Please make sure you do not take any paths reserved for horse riders: if you encounter this issue, take a detour and (please) mention it in the comments.

The walk passes through Kinsendael Park, Buysdelle Woods, the Artists' Valley, Shaveys Park, Verrewinkel Woods, Fond Roy Park, the Avijl plateau, Kauwberg and Sauvagère Park. Return to the starting point via Kriekenput.

From here, we set off on a pleasant walk across the battlefield of Napoleon’s final war, far from the hustle and bustle of the 1815 tourist site. Dirt tracks – some of which are compacted – and grassy or sandy paths take us across the fields to the Waterloo golf course, which we’ll cross via a dirt track shaded by magnificent old trees before rejoining the paths through the fields. This circular route can be done on foot or by bike.

This short walk takes you through the countryside to the bleak plain of Waterloo and its magnificent golf course, where golf enthusiasts have long since replaced Napoleon's armies.

A lovely walk that takes you through countryside and parks, but which also highlights the development that is encroaching on the outskirts of the capital.