Between France and Belgium in the slate country from Le Mesnil

This hike is quite physically demanding (distance and elevation), but it will allow you to discover a magnificent yet little-known region...

The French Meuse with its landscapes where stone, tortured by water but also by man, emerges here and there from the Ardennes forest to offer you sublime views...

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.29 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,755 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,775 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,253 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 371 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The start and finish are in Le Mesnil, a small Belgian village in the municipality of Viroinval. There is no public transport!

85% of the route is covered by forest, except for the section through the town of Fumay and a section following a cycle path along the Meuse (3 km).

The route does not present any real difficulties except for the distance and a few steep climbs.

You can take a break in the town of Fumay or Haybes (restaurants, bakeries, etc.).

We are in the Ardennes, and when you say Ardennes, you say... hunting! Find out more before you set off.

For Belgium, visit the "chasse on web" website; for France, visit the "Parc Naturel des Ardennes" website. You will find maps and hunting dates on these websites.

The climb up the Muletiers trail can be a little tricky due to the abundance of ferns in July and August, especially on the sun-exposed ridge.

The viewpoint (9) is not marked on the ground. GPS recommended! The only landmark is the remains of an old hut (corrugated iron) on the left of the trail. From this point, follow a (very) discreet trail for about a hundred metres.

Looking at the map, you will see that it is quite possible to shorten this route by ignoring the Belgian part of the route: points (1) and (2) and starting the hike in Fumay or Haybes.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 971 ft - Bois de la Rochère, Le Mesnil
  2. 1 : mi 1.04 - alt. 1,076 ft - Crossroads with the return route
  3. 2 : mi 1.77 - alt. 1,188 ft - Junction with the return route
  4. 3 : mi 2.93 - alt. 787 ft - Exposed viewpoint - Meuse (fleuve)
  5. 4 : mi 4.29 - alt. 581 ft - Access to the Divers-Monts trail
  6. 5 : mi 6.05 - alt. 577 ft - Passage hidden by vegetation
  7. 6 : mi 6.5 - alt. 381 ft - Cycle path - Meuse (fleuve)
  8. 7 : mi 8.46 - alt. 390 ft - Access to the Sentier des Muletiers trail - Meuse (fleuve)
  9. 8 : mi 9.36 - alt. 1,070 ft - Exit into the ferns
  10. 9 : mi 10.15 - alt. 1,145 ft - Eagle's nest viewpoint - Meuse (fleuve)
  11. 10 : mi 11.32 - alt. 935 ft - Source
  12. S/E : mi 12.29 - alt. 971 ft - Bois de la Rochère, Le Mesnil

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.