22,4Km Rando en Ardennes: Maboge - Lac de Nisramont - Rocher du Hérou - Maboge

Beautiful hike in Ardennes, in "Le Hérou - Le Parc naturel des deux Ourthes" starting from Maboge. The hike is a loop.
3.5 km of ascent in the forest will brings us to the village of Hubermont which offers a beautiful unobstructed view of the whole region.
Small country roads without traffic then lead us to Lac de Nisramont.
After 500m along the main road, the route plunges to the right towards the lake by a small road becoming a path and finally a narrow walkway. We will tour around the lake and continue on the GR57 on the right bank. At km 10.8, the route follows the river going to the Rocher du Hérou, climbs to the village of Ollomont and then descends into the valley. At the foot of Rocher du Hérou, we take a steep ascending climb with the help of a handrail chain. At the top, we turn right to take advantage of the marvelous view on the valley of the Ourthe. The route then goes up to the belvedere to go down again to find the river Ourthe which we will follow on the right bank until the last climb which leads to the old Celtic fortress (with astonishing views).
The return is made by the path which leads to the main road, which we take for about 600m.

If weather and temperature allow, we may have a swim in Lac du Nisramont.

After the hike we will have a farewell drink in nearby pictoresque village of La Roche en Ardennes.

Elevation gain 630 meters.

You have to be fit and in good physical shape to participate in this walk.

You need to read carefully and understand all the following points

Meeting point is Saturday 10:30, April 12, in Maboge. There is a free car park marked by the red pin on the map.

If you have a car and spots available offer carpool.

Consider also renting Cambio car sharing.

If there is lack of cars, I will give priority to those in the waiting list who answered yes on offering carpool.

• Technical difficulties

The ascent to the summit of Rock of Hérou is on a very steep climb, and is done with the help of a handrail chain. Make sure you have good shoes, better if you have also working gloves. It requires good physical shape, no fears of heights and being sure footed.

Elevation gain 630 mt.

• Speed

On the Ardennes the speed is generally around 3.5 - 4.0 Km/h on average while walking.

• Food

Bring at least 1.5 L of water and your lunch. We will have a pic-nic on the way.

• Arrival

Maboge around 17:30

• Various and possible

Come with good walking shoes, goretex ideal. Have your GSM battery fully charged, better if you have an extra fully charged battery pack with you.

• Weather

The weather will be sunny and pleasant. You can follow the weather evolution at [Buienradar.be "Maboge](https://www.buienradar.be/weer/maboge/be/2791959/5daagse)". Temperatures will be in the range 18° - 22°C. Dress accordingly.

• WhatsApp "share live location"

When participating in our hikes, you should understand how to use the WhatsApp function "share live location". If you don't know what I am talking about, google for it and practice at home.

WhatsApp "share live location" is very handy in case you remain behind, arrive late or just get lost.

• MeetUp privacy settings

Turn off the privacy settings in MeetUp. Not doing so, you will prevent the organizers from contacting you by direct message.

• A reminder on the event etiquette (and on good manners in general)

Register only if you are reasonably motivated to participate. As a matter of courtesy towards the people on the waiting list, if you are unable to come, cancel as soon as possible.

• "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group

If you want to be part of the "Walking in Bruxelles" WhatsApp group (requirements: to have at least hiked once with us in the past, or be subscribed and intend to participate to this hike), just send a WhatsApp or SMS message to 0476 796026 (Vincenzo) with your name and the request to subscribe. If you want to be added also to “Brussels (cultural) events” group, which is a subgroup of Walking in Bruxelles, but more dedicated to social activities, or to the unmoderate chat group (Hikers Chat Corner) please specify it in the message.

• Any questions?

Post a comment or send me a message. If you don't find us or if you are late call me at 0476 79 60 26, I will then share live location on WhatsApp.

• Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability

You should be fit enough if you want to take part, and you are responsible for yourself and your safety. Know your limits and choose to participate or not accordingly. The organizers in this group are all volunteers, they are not experts or guides, and are just gathering like-minded people for the only purpose to walk/hike/enjoy together. By participating in this event, you agree to release the organizers/hosts from any responsibility/liability, and by signing up for this hike you fully agree with these terms.