Up the paths, down the avenues
Multi-day hiking holidays in the Flemish Ardennes
The Flemish Ardennes are ideal for a multi-day hiking holiday. Because yes, it still exists in Flanders: walking for miles in unspoilt nature and past picturesque villages. And relaxing at a cosy B&B in the evening...
A hiking network of 850 kilometres
The Flemish Ardennes hiking network accounts for an impressive 850 kilometres of signposted hiking paths. So that's a great deal of hiking fun! The starting points for the hikes are often near tourist centres, such as Ronse, Oudenaarde or Geraardsbergen – a boon for those coming by train. And to make it even easier, you'll find a great many points of interest (POIs) on the hiking maps (paper or online): some great places to eat, interesting sights, beautiful vistas, you name it.
For clarity, the routes are divided into three sub-areas: the Getuigenheuvels in the south, the Bronbossen in the east, and the Zwalmvallei in the north. Three hiking networks, each with its own map, and handy hiking nodes for mapping out your own routes. Determine your starting location, select the nodes (or POIs) you definitely want to hike past, and the hike planner will do the rest! Of course, you can also rely on the routes that experts have laid out for you. They have selected the most beautiful trails, so you are guaranteed an exciting and varied walk.
Plan your hike online Order the Hiking Box
A Great Route path of 157 kilometres
When you hear the term Great Route trails, you know you'll be at it for miles. Compared to the road to Compostela, the Flemish Ardennes Regional GR is still limited, but 157 kilometres is still quite a trek. The Route trail makes a wonderful loop all across the Flemish Ardennes. Perfect for the seasoned hiker, but nothing prevents you from covering a lesser stretch of the GR.
The GR trail starts in Oudenaarde, goes along the Koppenberg and via Kluisbergen and Ronse to Geraardsbergen. It then runs through Sint-Lievens-Esse, Rozebeke and Maarkedal to Etikhove. Rolling hills with wooded ridges, a green patchwork of fields and meadows with simple country dwellings or a hidden locals' café: there are plenty of romantic pictures along the way. And of course, the GR passes by the many forest and nature reserves that the Flemish Ardennes are proud to call their own. Honestly, this is one of the most varied long treks you can do in Flanders. No corner of this beautiful region remains undiscovered.
A five-day hiking tour in total comfort
It’s wonderful to arrive at a charming B&B after a day's hike. Your luggage is already in your room; you can freshen up immediately and then enjoy a delicious evening meal. Perhaps you might have a chat afterwards over a regional beer. After a good night’s sleep, a hearty breakfast awaits you. Then put your hiking boots back on, collect your packed lunch from the B&B owner, and you are off for another day in the Flemish Ardennes, on the way to the next B&B. That's the concept of the With Five In Bed hiking tour.
Sounds good? Five B&Bs in the Flemish Ardennes are collectively offering a five-day hiking or cycling concept, in which your luggage is transported to the next B&B every day. All you have to do is enjoy the trek and the wonderful accommodations. You can use the With Five in Bed arrangement as an individual or with one, two or three other travel companions. After registering on the website, you’ll be contacted by the B&B where your trek will start. Are you coming to the starting point by car? Then you can simply leave it there. This is also where your tour ends, after your fifth night. Each part is about 15 or 25km long, depending on whether you want to walk or hike.
Book your hiking stay now
The number of cosy hotels and B&Bs in the Flemish Ardennes is almost endless. From very luxurious to nice and basic, there is something for everyone. For each of the three hiking regions, we selected two B&Bs that are the perfect base for an amazing hiking weekend.
Bronbossen hiking network
B&B Roeskouter is located in Lierde, close to hiking node 54. From there, you can head right into picturesque villages with beautiful names like Hemelveerdegem, Deftinge, Parike and Sint-Maria-Oudenhove. Are you coming by train? Lierde Station is literally within walking distance. From the Roeskouter's roof terrace, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the fields and hills behind. In good weather, you can have breakfast on the covered terrace next to the heated swimming pool.
B&B Bedlehem is located close to hiking node 1. Jeroen and Karen converted the former vicarage of Everbeek-Boven into some cosy guest lodgings. You get the magical view of the meadows and forests behind for free. In the dining room, a generous breakfast will be waiting for you in the morning. A ready-made packed lunch in your backpack – just order it the night before – will get you ready for a thorough exploration of the Bronbossen.
Zwalm valley hiking network
B&B Sett is located in the tiny but oh-so-charming municipality of Horebeke, close to hiking node 8. Thomas and Mathijs grew up in star restaurant Hof ter Eycken in Ninove and gained experience with some great chefs like Sergio Herman (Oud Sluis), Geert Van Hecke (De Karmeliet) and Peter Goossens (Hof van Cleve). With B&B Sett, they have now launched their own project: a classy luxury residence in country style. Not to mention the heated indoor swimming pool and the Finnish sauna!
Not far from hiking node 10, you will be right at home at B&B De Notelaer. After a wonderful night in an extra-wide bed, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast with home-made specialities. Els and Bart prefer to cook with high-quality seasonal products of organic origin. On summer days, breakfast is served in the beautiful garden. The sauna area and the ecological outdoor swimming pool are already waiting for you!
Getuigenheuvels hiking network
The stylish B&B La Cereza is located in Kerselare, just outside the centre of Oudenaarde, close to hiking node 56. Looking for a four-star stay where Enjoyment is still written with a capital letter? Then B&B La Cereza will not disappoint you at all. In the morning, you can enjoy an extensive breakfast, fresh from the farm, in the communal dining room. Feel free to swim a few laps in the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can also book a private spa package: 2.5 hours just for you. With a Finnish sauna, infrared sofas, an indoor jacuzzi, rain showers, hot foot baths and a generously stocked mini-bar.
When you pass hiking node 34 in Opbrakel, you know that B&B Het Stille Genoegen can't be far anymore. This distinctively renovated farmhouse, with traces dating back to the 14th century, is truly an oasis of peace. At the back of the house, you'll be able to look out onto the Livierenbos. This is where you should come to stay if you want to hit the pause button. In the morning, you'll enjoy a carefully prepared breakfast with regional products and home-made delicacies. After that, you'll be all set for a breathtaking hike in the unspoilt nature.
The whole experience is more intense on foot
Fancy a hefty hiking tour through the most beautiful region in Flanders? Map out your own hike, cover part of the Great Route trail or opt for five-day trip from B&B to B&B. Don't hesitate: book the holiday of a lifetime now!