Do you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Ninglinspo? Then we have the perfect walk for you! The beautiful valley of the Hoëgne is half an hour's drive from the Ninglinspo and is the ideal place for an unforgettable hike, a romantic picnic or some splashing water adventure.
The Hoëgne River is located in the High Fens and is a fantastic water stream of 30 km long. What makes this river so characteristic are the small water rapids and the dark colour of the water. There is a lot of iron in the soil and this causes the brown color.
The Ardennes are of course known for their beautiful green forests and that is no different here! You will enjoy magnificent views during your hike along the Hoëgne river and also the ancient "Pont de la Vecquee". This bridge is part of the Gallo-Roman road "La Vecquée" which runs through the Ardennes and ends at Baraque Michel.
3, 2, 1... Start!
The walk starts at the 'Pont de Belleheid' car park where you can park your car for free. To enter the car park, take your car for a short walk through the river. Don't worry, this is only 10 centimeters of water but it's a great start of the adventure.
The start of the Hoëgne walk is clearly visible through the wooden frame and the indication of the blue/white cross.
The walk is 10 kilometres long from start to finish and forms an adventurous loop with wooden bridges, stairs and stone formations. You can also splash your feet in the water at any time during the summer season as the walk runs along the tranquil river all the time.
After the effort, relaxation!
You're on half way when you walk up the old 'Vecquee' bridge. From here the walk leads back to the parking but on the opposite bank of the river. The highest point is at the 'Belvédère' where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the Hoëgne valley. If you got here, you've already climbed 200 meters, top!
Now you've earned a drink. So settle down at brasserie Chalet de Pont de Belleheid before walking back to the car park and enjoy a Belgian beer on the terrace.
Take the kids with you!
This walk is ideal for children from 6 years old to romp around along the water. However, it is important to warn the children at some bridges to be careful as there is often no railing.
Unfortunately, the road through the various wooden staircases is not accessible for prams or people with reduced mobility.
What to bring
- Water shoes to play in the river.
- Large bottle of water or snack, because the first bar is only after 10 km.
- A handy backpack, so you don't feel the weight on your shoulders.
- Legs that are ready to go!
Good to know
- The walk takes about 2.5 hours.
- The white foam you see on the river is not pollution but just a natural soap made by the river itself.
- There is a nice picnic area about 2 km from the start with benches, dustbins and a shelter.
Discover your SityTrail subscription
Have you booked a holiday home with Ardennes-étape? From now on you can enjoy a free one month premium SityTrail subscription during your stay in the Belgian Ardennes.
SityTrail is a mobile GPS application for hikes all over the world. Together with Ardennes-étape, this partner offers you more than 2500 free hikes in the Ardennes, close to your holiday home.
Download the SityTrail app before your stay and choose your ideal hike. Never get lost in the Ardennes again, discover beautiful places and enjoy your hike? That is exactly what we want to offer you with this Ardennes-étape private benefit. Your SityTrail subscription is valid for 1 month after your arrival in the holiday home. Discover here how you can enjoy it.
The Hoëgne Valley hike is also part of our selection of hikes with the SityTrail App. Discover it here:
Are you fond of adventurous walks like the walk of the Hoëgne? Then be sure to read our 'Boucle de Durbuy' walk or the forest walk around Lake Warfaaz and share your adventurous moments with us on @ardennes_etape!
Feel like making your walk a real experience? Stay the night! We have lots of nice Ardennes-étape holiday homes close to the Hoëgne to end the evening quietly. Check out our selection here.
Photos by www.flyalong.be