Refine your search for walks in Zutkerque
Zutkerque walks
The Lady of the Wolves Trail
South of Audruicq, discover Brédenarde, a land of hedgerows, hedges and fruit trees.
Starting from Zutkerque or Polincove, take the Dame aux Loups trail, named in honour of Baroness
de Draëck. You can admire her castle, the first hills of Artois and follow the winding course of the Hem, the river of mills.
Around Muncq-Nieurlet
This trail takes you through a wooded landscape at the edge of the Artois hills, interspersed with canals and watergangs. The varied relief offers a unique panorama, a superb walk with a breathtaking view.
Marais Trail in Nortkerque
This path takes you to one of the four villages of the Pays du Brédenarde, Nortkerque, which can be translated as ‘church of the North’. Geologically, the former Pays du Brédenarde consists of a layer of clay resting on chalk that overlooks the coastal plain. It is a landscape of hedgerows, fruit trees and livestock farming. In the past, the Brédenarde also included the municipalities of Audruicq, Zutkerque and Polincove.
(4) Please note: the footbridge no longer exists; access is impossible until further notice (see practical information).
The Saint-Louis Chapel from Tournehem-sur-la-Hem
A lovely walk through woods and hedged farmland to the pretty Chapelle Saint-Louis. It's a signposted trail run by the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.
The Bois d'Elloo
During this route, walkers will pass through the Tournehem National Forest, which covers 988 hectares. They will see old windmills and the Hem valley.This is a signposted trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.
The Ghost of the Aa Trail in Ruminghen
Stroll along the hedgerows surrounding the orchards, discover the Chinese cemetery and the typical farms built of yellow or red brick or stone, a reminder that we are indeed at the confluence of Flanders and Artois. Then, let yourself be haunted by the ghost of the Aa, which lurks along the waterways…
Along the canalised Aa and the Houlle
Discover the waterways of the Audomarois, a beautiful area of Hauts-de-France.
From Moringhem to Quelmes
A pleasant, virtually roadless route, with the possibility of a pleasant break at the beautiful Quelmes café.
Ecou marsh “Marais d’Ecou” in Tilques
Houses, each with its own dock and boat moored on the Lansberg. People fishing practically from their homes. Cottages, each more beautiful than the last. Little market gardeners' boats loaded with crates of vegetables heading off to who knows where.Truly, the passage along the Lansberg will delight you with its beauty.You'll find a tranquil, picturesque feel that's rare in the region.
Le Lansbergue
This is a route through the heart of the Audomarois marshes along a marked trail maintained by the Pays de Saint-Omer Urban Community.
Chicory mills and drying houses around the River Oye
A very long time ago, the sea covered this area at high tide, but the ingenuity of the Benedictine monks inthe 10th century led to the construction of a network of drainage channels: the watergangs. This area, with its light, sandy soil, is ideal for growing chicory.
Large buildings made of yellow or red brick were once used to dry chicory roots. The people made the most of this gift from Mother Nature by building mills.
In the footsteps of Vauban in Gravelines
This is a beautiful walk that highlights all the attractions of a small fortified town crossed by the River Aa, with a beautiful seafront and well-maintained green spaces ideal for walking. You will quickly forget that Gravelines is best known for its nuclear power station.
The Platier d'Oye Observatory
The trails are well-marked. All through the year, they're accessible, and this walk allows you to discover our beautiful northern beaches. Itinerary to be adapted, some areas may be off-limits, see notices .
The Wavrans Valley
The Wavrans-sur-l'Aa nature reserve consists of two hillsides separated by a dry valley, Mont Carrière and Montagne d'Elnes. The chalky slopes of the reserve are steep and unusual for the region. They were also "sculpted" by the bombs of the Second World War.
Discovering the Audomarois marshlands
A walk that combines crossing the Clairmarais market garden marsh with the Romelaëre Nature Reserve.Lots of birdwatching: ash herons, coots, storks... And the star attraction of this walk: crossing the canals on the chain ferries, which will appeal to young and old alike!Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5.
La Cuvette from Clamarais
This route is divided between marshland, bocage and forest. It crosses Flanders before returning to the Audomarois region. In the first part of this itinerary, walkers will see street names in Flemish. This is a signposted trail of the Communauté d'Agglomération du Pays de Saint-Omer.
Circular route starting from Calais via Cap Blanc Nez
A superb circular mountain bike route starting from Calais, ideal for exploring the Opal Coast. The route alternates between urban sections, coastal paths and undulating trails with magnificent views of the sea and Cap Blanc-Nez. A few good climbs (464 m of elevation gain) provide a decent challenge without being too technical, making the route accessible to moderate-level mountain bikers. The section towards Wissant offers exceptional views. Varied terrain: fast-flowing sections, grassy paths and stony tracks. A well-balanced circular route, perfect for a lively ride lasting around 2 hours.
Calais - Framezelle
This superb stage alternates between beaches and cliffs and passes through the remarkable sites of Cap Blanc-Nez, Petit Blanc-Nez and Wissant Bay, ending at Cap Gris-Nez.
Walk through the Artois Heights
A winding route offering superb views of the Artois heights and the Bléquin valley.
Run & Trail 2023 - APF France handicap
A charity run on 2 June 2023 organised by APF France handicap.3 good reasons to take part:
Take on a meaningful individual or team challenge. Share a friendly and inclusive moment with our members, volunteers and staff. Support our local initiatives with and for people with disabilities and their loved ones.
Yellow River Trail
A short walk around the La Coupole blockhouse, where forest and magnificent ponds come together.
The Fontinettes boat elevator
The Sentier des Fontinettes invites you to discover the often overlooked natural riches of Arques: from the Étang de Beauséjour to the Étang de Malhôve, via the Forêt de Rihoult (forest) and the canal towpath, not forgetting the nautical base and boat lift.
Back to the Elnes hillside
This place is so beautiful that it deserves a second route.Another good climb with 2 nice climbs and a maximum of paths and trails.
Difficult in dry weather and very difficult in wet weather.
The Pihem Ravine and the Fields of Avroult
Another long route to explore the Ravin de Pihem (the upper section of which is (temporarily?) impassable). You’ll also take a superb path at a place called “Les Champs d’Avroult” before popping over to have a look at the old quarries at Cléty.
An easy hike that can be split into two sections.
Bois, vallée et coteau de Wavrans-sur-l'Aa
Another route around the Coteau d’Elnes with very little tarmac. Crossing the Bois d’Esquerdes is even more enjoyable, and the long walk along the riverbank is most pleasant. Finally, the section through the hillside, especially in fine weather, is a real delight (even if it is a bit of a struggle!)
From Wismes to the Bois d'Esquerdes via the Montagne d'Elnes
A long route with very little tarmac and a superb climb.
There are also a few long straight stretches through the fields that will delight many!
Late July 2020:
- the section between points 6 and 7 is in excellent condition.
- at point 13, after the copse, you cross a maize field for about fifty metres (the path is clearly marked) before finding the track.
Trou du Charme Trail
Lovely family outing in the Desvroise countryside, on small paved country roads.Passes close to streams, forests, villages and farms.
Circuit d'Ecques par les landes
Leave Ecques via the same route, then take a long, flat walk through the fields to reach Heuringhem. Continue across the moors of Blendecques, Rietz de l'Église and Bibrou before reaching Quiestède via Les Bruyères. Return via the Bois d'Ecques.
The route is relatively flat, but there are a few wet areas (more depending on the weather). During hunting season, avoid Sundays, as some communal woods are rented to hunting clubs!
Route modified and improved in September 2024 to avoid the D 190.