Long-distance trails through Walloon cities

At a glance

Do you know the GR long-distance trails? Did you know some of them pass through or near Walloon cities? Discover them here for some original walks.

Long-distance trails near or through provincial cities

GR trails don't all wind through woods, forests and countryside. Many of these GR trails also pass through cities. This is also the case in Belgium. So instead of walking an entire GR trail over several hundred kilometres, you can also choose to follow just a section closer to home.

To give you some ideas for a walk or bike ride, our blogger Lisa explains how you can combine an original visit to Mons, Wavre, Namur, Liège, Arlon and Brussels with discovering part of a GR trail. In a previous article, she covered the GR trails that pass through Flemish provincial cities.

Walking a GR trail in Wallonia and Brussels

The walks below range from half an hour to several hours and can easily be combined with a more extensive visit to the city or another GR trail. They can also be done by bike, except for the one in Liège because of the long staircase. Bear in mind the time needed for the return trip if you need to get back to your starting point.
For more detailed information, check out the website of the Sentiers Grandes Randonnées asbl organisation.

Want to know more about GR trails? You'll find useful general information by clicking here.

Click on the maps below to enlarge them.

Through the heart of Mons

Mons

What is the route of the GR 129, which passes through Mons? The GR 129 crosses Belgium from the coast to the Ardennes, passing through Mons. At 573 km, it's the longest hiking trail in Belgium.

Where do you start the walk? The GR trail crosses the old centre of Mons, starting at Rue du Parc and ending at Place de Flandre.

Walk duration: 2 km / 25 minutes' walk

Sights you'll pass: Set off from the north-west of the city towards the Saint-Calixte chapel in Mons, dating back to the 11th century. On the way to the Grand-Place, you'll pass the Belfry, several parks and the city's main museums.

Explore the green surroundings of Wavre

Wavre

Which GR trail passes near Wavre? Three main routes reach Wavre: the GR 579 Brussels - Huy (160 km), the GR 121 (161 km), which crosses the provinces of Walloon Brabant and Hainaut, and the GRP 127 Tour du Brabant wallon (266 km), which loops around Walloon Brabant.

Where do you start the walk? From Château de la Bawette, you can walk along fields through the countryside to Basse-Wavre. This walk is part of the GR 121 long-distance trail.

Walk duration: 5 km / 1 hour's walk

Sights you'll pass: Near Château de la Bawette, you'll spot the Walibi amusement park (the park's name comes from the 3 municipalities it spans: Wavre, Limal and Bierges). You'll wander through the quiet residential areas and fields of the neighbouring village of Basse-Wavre.

The old forts near Namur

Namur

Which GR trail passes near Namur? The GR 412 East Sentier des Terrils (142 km) crosses the mining area of the Borinage and winds through the fields and villages of Namur province.

Where do you start the walk? The path winds along 5 km from the city centre. You'll find yourself surrounded by greenery throughout the walk. A good starting point is the village of Suarlée, ending the walk at Boninne.

Walk duration: 14 km / 3 hours' walk

Sights you'll pass: Since this walk doesn't take you near the centre of Namur, the fields and woods are the main points of interest. You'll also pass the forts of Suarlée and Emines, two of the nine former fortresses built in the 19th century to protect Namur.

From the citadel to the stairs of Liège

Liège

Which GR trail passes through Liège? The GR 579 Brussels - Huy (160 km) links Brussels' Saint-Michel cathedral to Outremeuse, the island of Liège.

Where do you start the walk? Start in the green areas to the west of Liège and loop around the centre in an arc towards Outremeuse.

Walk duration: 4 km / 1 hour's walk. Because of the staircase leading into the city, this walk is not suitable for cyclists.

Sights you'll pass: After passing through the Naimette-Xhovémont district, you'll reach the Citadel of Liège. You'll go down the 374 steps of the Montagne de Bueren, a staircase with a magnificent view. After descending towards Rue Léopold, you'll pass several museums.

Starting the Ardennes GR15 in Arlon

Arlon

Which GR trail passes through Arlon? Arlon is the starting point of the GR15 Sentiers de l'Ardenne (229 km), which links Belgian Lorraine to the German Eifel region.

Where do you start the walk? From Arlon station, you can walk through the countryside to the neighbouring village of Frassem. This officially follows the first section of the GR 15.

Walk duration: 3.4 km / 45 minutes' walk

Sights you'll pass: Setting off from the charming Arlon station, you walk towards the source of the Semois, a river that flows into the Meuse in France. To your left is the city centre, with a few Gallo-Roman buildings.

Crossing Brussels from the Botanical Garden to the Porte de Hal

Which GR trail crosses Brussels? The GR 12 links Amsterdam to Paris, crossing Brussels along the way. The total route stretches 1,000 km, of which 200 km is in Belgium. The GR 126 Membre-sur-Semois - Brussegem (243 km) also crosses the centre of Brussels from east to west.

Where do you start the walk? Start at the Botanical Garden and head towards the Porte de Hal, winding through old Brussels.

Walk duration: 6 km / 1 hour and 15 minutes' walk

Sights you'll pass: Besides the many museums the centre has to offer, you'll walk from Brussels Park towards the Grand Place, then back up towards the Palace of Justice and the Porte de Hal.

Which GR trails cross the Flemish provincial capitals?

In this article, we look at how you can combine a section of a GR trail with a visit to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Hasselt and Leuven.

Our blogger Lisa:
Lisa is a freelance blogger who has just spent a year exploring Australia alone, in a Jeep. When she's not travelling, you'll often find her at home, on her sofa with her rabbit Nelson on her lap and a language course in hand. You'll find her articles on Greek mythology and Bali on her website lisasvividwriting.com.