Sorrinne-la-Longue and the Samson valley
This walk follows a discreet valley where water and forest have shaped the landscape for centuries. Each place evokes an ancient history, often linked to the passage and work of man.
Sorinne-la-Longue is a village that stretches out like an ancient road, already frequented in Roman times. The Faya wood, whose name comes from the beech tree, offers a cool and calm atmosphere. Bethléem is a place steeped in symbolism, formerly associated with refuge and passage. At the Inzéfonds quarries, blue stone has left its mark on the local architecture and landscape. In the Gesves wood and the Chaumont valley, the forest becomes denser and more enveloping.
The Samson stream structures the valley. Around it, the Bizonzon and neighbouring streams are home to a discreet and varied fauna. It is therefore a peaceful walk between water, stone and wood, ideal for slowing down and observing.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 11.01 mi -
Average duration: 6h 00 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 1,109 ft -
Descent: - 1,096 ft -
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Highest point: 919 ft -
Lowest point: 600 ft
Country:
City:
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 879 ft - Sorinne-la-Longue
- 1 : mi 0.43 - alt. 846 ft - Crossroads
- 2 : mi 1.04 - alt. 627 ft - N942
- 3 : mi 2.42 - alt. 833 ft - Gesves Woods
- 4 : mi 3.32 - alt. 843 ft - Tienne Saint-Martin and chapel
- 5 : mi 3.92 - alt. 719 ft - Fonds de Gesves stream
- 6 : mi 4.49 - alt. 761 ft - N942
- 7 : mi 5.07 - alt. 673 ft - Samson (Rivière) - Belgique - Affluent de la Meuse
- 8 : mi 6.15 - alt. 879 ft - Cochaute
- 9 : mi 9.53 - alt. 896 ft - Sorinne Woods
- S/E : mi 11.01 - alt. 879 ft - Sorinne-la-Longue
Other walks in the area
Short circular loop near Samson
Visorando Member
2.53 mi
+282 ft
-285 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Gesves (Province de Namur)
Circular loop along the Samson with a few places where dogs can play in the water. Beware of bacteria present in several waterways at the moment: August 2020.
You will be able to see some works of art during the hike.
Circular route from Courrière via Gesves
15.92 mi
+1,824 ft
-1,677 ft
8h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Assesse (Province de Namur)
Easy, with only two small steep hills. 74% of the route is on paths. Outward journey through the woods, return journey mainly through fields. Picnic possible at km 15 at the Samson cheese dairy in Gesves (081 583 666), possibility to bring your own meal (provided you purchase a drink) or order a cheese and/or charcuterie platter. Along the way, you can discover some of the sculptures on the Gesves art trail.
In the footsteps of the May Festival 2025 in Gesves
6.28 mi
+787 ft
-794 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Gesves (Province de Namur)
"La Fête de Mai in Gesves is a wonderful artistic and human adventure in a rural setting. In 2001, nature and art lovers came up with a bold project: to invite artists from all over the world to create works of art in natural materials in the countryside. The May Festival is now 25 years old! In 25 years, our landscape has been enriched, in Gesves alone, by 136 works of land art. Some have returned to nature, while others still stand proudly for the enjoyment of hikers."Quote from Christian Beelaert, president of Vagabond'art asbl.
All these works of art are linked by hiking trails that are accessible all year round.
Around Gesves and Faulx-les-Tombes
6.32 mi
+397 ft
-397 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Gesves (Province de Namur)
This route at the intersection of Gesves, Haut-Bois and Faulx-les-Tombes will take you close to the Gesves provincial breeding and riding school, whose facilities can host international events.
A peaceful walk from Gesves to Wagnée, with four works of art along the route
5.24 mi
+476 ft
-476 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Gesves (Province de Namur)
Part of the Sentiers d'Art (Art Trails) is included in this hike. You will have the opportunity to discover four works of art in a natural setting: the Triskele, the Sans refuge, the Eau d'ici and the Chaise brûlée.
Woods, Samson valley and former quarries in Gesves
6.45 mi
+591 ft
-597 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Gesves (Province de Namur)
Gesves, a charming village in the Namur Condroz region, is said to take its name from "Gengeavia", which means "running water". Numerous streams criss-cross its territory before flowing into the Samson. The walk starts at the municipal administration building, winds its way through a few quiet streets and then joins the Bois de Gesves. After descending into the Samson valley, you reach the site of the old Bizonzon sandstone quarries, which were abandoned more than half a century ago.
Courrière Educational Woodland
1.62 mi
+66 ft
-66 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Assesse (Province de Namur)
Located in the village of Courrière (in the municipality of Assesse), this woodland has been developed to help visitors discover: the forest, local biodiversity and ecosystems. It is a short, fun and educational walk. The three walks through the woodland: green trail (1.6 km), blue trail (2.3 km) and red trail (2.8 km)
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