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:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 17.71 km -
Average duration: 6h 00 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 338 m -
Descent: - 334 m -
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Highest point: 280 m -
Lowest point: 183 m
Country:
District:
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 268 m - Sorinne-la-Longue
- 1 : km 0.68 - alt. 258 m - Crossroads
- 2 : km 1.68 - alt. 191 m - N942
- 3 : km 3.9 - alt. 254 m - Gesves Woods
- 4 : km 5.35 - alt. 257 m - Tienne Saint-Martin and chapel
- 5 : km 6.31 - alt. 219 m - Fonds de Gesves stream
- 6 : km 7.23 - alt. 232 m - N942
- 7 : km 8.16 - alt. 205 m - Samson (Rivière) - Belgique - Affluent de la Meuse
- 8 : km 9.89 - alt. 268 m - Cochaute
- 9 : km 15.33 - alt. 273 m - Sorinne Woods
- S/E : km 17.71 - alt. 268 m - Sorinne-la-Longue
Other walks in the area
Short circular loop near Samson
Visorando member 
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+86 m
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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.
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+556 m
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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
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+240 m
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"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.
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+121 m
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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.
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8.44 km
+145 m
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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
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10.38 km
+180 m
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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.
The springs of Arville de Faulx-les-Tombes and Mont-Sainte-Marie de Mozet
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Between the white farmhouse and the red farmhouse, take a narrow country road to discover an old mineral water production site that was the village's main industry for 60 years until 1971. Then head back up towards the hamlet of Mont-Sainte-Marie, whose origins date back tothe 12th century.
The cave and keep of Crupet
Visorando member 
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+289 m
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Departure from Assesse (Province de Namur)
Starting from the village of Maillen, set off to discover Crupet, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia. Visit its Saint Antoine cave and admire its Carondelet keep. Return via the village of Ivoy and its 13th-century church.
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