Sept d'Hornu-Wasmes slag heap

A walk starting from the Sept Hornu-Wasmes slag heap, offering sweeping views of the Borinage and its mining heritage. The cemetery features an unusual piano-shaped memorial. Paths, disused roads, the RAVel cycle route and footpaths make up this easy route, apart from the climb up the slag heap. A walking stick may be useful for the climb; in wet weather, large puddles may form on the path running alongside the N550, so please wear waterproof shoes in such conditions.

Details

n°43642362

Creation:
27 Dec 2023

Last update:
18 May 2026

Last review:
15 Jan 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 3.74 mi
Average duration: 1h 55
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 200 ft
Descent: - 197 ft
Highest point: 302 ft
Lowest point: 82 ft

Country: Belgium
City: Boussu
Start/End: N 50.420457° / E 3.823225°
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Description of the walk

Car park on Rue de Warquignies, near the N550 roundabout (Boraine main road).

(S/E) Head towards the slag heap, cross the small embankment and follow the path on the right; it is possible to reach point (2) without climbing the slag heap by continuing straight along this path.

(1) Turn left to reach the path leading up the slag heap; go to the top, then descend via the path heading to the left. At the bottom, follow the path on the right which leads you to Rue de Binche, running alongside the slag heap.

(2) Cross the street and go over the barriers blocking the disused road. Walk to Rue des Postes.

(3) Turn left, walk past the cemetery and continue straight on until you reach Rue Maurice Brohée.

(4) Turn left; after 50 m, take the path on the right and follow it until you reach the RAVel.

(5) Follow the RAVel to the left until you reach Avenue Jules Ducobu, where it ends.

(6) Cross the road and take the path running alongside the N550, which will take you back to the car park. This section may be dotted with large puddles in wet weather (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 151 ft - Car park, Rue de Warquignies
1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 157 ft - Path junction
2 : mi 0.85 - alt. 112 ft - Rue de Binche
3 : mi 1.14 - alt. 82 ft - Rue des Postes
4 : mi 1.85 - alt. 98 ft - Rue Maurice Brohée
5 : mi 2.03 - alt. 98 ft - RAVel
6 : mi 2.74 - alt. 154 ft - Avenue Jules Ducobu, end of the RAVel
S/E : mi 3.74 - alt. 151 ft - Car park, Rue de Warquignies

Worth a visit

Grand-Hornu Museum

Reviews and comments

3.3 / 5

Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.5 / 5

Ease of following the route
4 / 5

Route interest
2.5 / 5

raphernoux@hotmail.fr

15 Jan 2025 at 18:46 3600

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A rather unusual walk, undertaken in the fog. The climb to the top of the slag heap right at the start of the walk isn’t easy, but it’s worth persevering.
A fairly pleasant and varied route, but marred by the large amount of litter and fly-tipping... a shame.
The last kilometre was the most challenging, due to the puddles that were almost impassable without wellies...
One to do again in dry weather!

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Cam94

12 Mar 2024 at 07:14 3600

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Hello,
This route is not suitable for young children or pushchairs, particularly the first section (or you could go round the slag heap). The access to the slag heap is unpaved, very steep going up and down, and quite difficult even for the average walker. The route is very dirty, with litter and fly-tipping along the entire route (a shame).

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