Walking in the Ardennes

Explore the Ardennes, one of northwest Europe's most rewarding and accessible walking destinations, where rolling forested hills, deep river valleys, dramatic rock formations, and medieval castles stretch across southeastern Belgium and into Luxembourg and France. Rich in World War II history, ancient cave systems, and charming market towns, the Ardennes offers a varied and endlessly engaging landscape. Suitable for beginner and experienced walkers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 32 day walks and one multi-day trek across the Ardennes region. Day walks range from 2 to 24km (1–15 miles) and can be enjoyed in 1–8 hours, with the Sentier du Nord long-distance trek described in 6 stages covering 68km (42 miles) from Weiswampach to Diekirch in Luxembourg. Choose from 32 day walks across five distinct areas of the Ardennes, exploring the River Semois and its dramatic meanders around Bouillon, the moorland of the Hautes Fagnes, the spa town of Malmedy, the caves and river valleys of Dinant and the Lesse, and the ridges and forests around La Roche-en-Ardenne. Tackle the Sentier du Nord long-distance trek in 6 stages from Weiswampach to Diekirch, covering 68km (42 miles) through the forested hills and river valleys of Luxembourg as part of the GR57 long-distance trail network. Discover the highlights of the Ardennes, including Bouillon Castle above the River Semois, the extraordinary bogland of the Hautes Fagnes, the cave systems at Han-sur-Lesse and Rochefort, the WW2 battlefields around Malmedy and Stavelot, and the military museum at Diekirch. Navigate with confidence using 1:50,000 maps included for each walk in the Ardennes, along with detailed planning information, refreshment notes, and public transport connections throughout the region. Plan your Ardennes walking holiday with practical information on accommodation, getting there, money, health and safety, and the RAVeL network of traffic-free paths and tracks that criss-cross the Belgian countryside. Immerse yourself in the region with introductory sections covering the geography and geology of the Ardennes, its plants and wildlife, food and drink, and the story of the World War II Ardennes offensive that shaped this landscape and its communities. Discover the forests, river valleys, and historic towns of the Ardennes with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the medieval castle at Bouillon to the extraordinary bogs of the Hautes Fagnes, this is the essential guide to walking in one of northwest Europe's most characterful and accessible regions.