Dinant, on the rocks and along the Meuse, 22Km hike

Join us for a breathtaking loop hike through the Meuse Valley, starting and ending in the vibrant town of Dinant! Inspired by the popular “Marche de Dinant” route, this trail takes you through lush forests, open fields, dramatic cliffs, and historic sites, with stunning panoramic views and charming villages. Designed to minimize asphalt, we’ll follow scenic GR126 and local trails, immersing ourselves in nature, history, and the Ardennes’ unique charm.

### Trail Details

• Length: ~22 km, adjustable to 20 km (skip citadel or shorten Furfooz) or 24 km (extend around Falmignoul).
• Terrain: Mostly dirt and gravel trails (GR126, Furfooz paths), with minimal asphalt (short sections in Dinant and villages). Expect rocky paths, moderate climbs (up to ~270 m elevation), and potential muddy areas.

### What to Expect

• Panoramic Views:
• Furfooz Viewpoint: Stunning vistas over the Meuse and Lesse valleys from Furfooz Natural Park (~8-10 km into the hike).
• East-bank cliffs: High points along the Meuse with sweeping views of Dinant’s citadel and river (~12-14 km).
• Nature:
• Meuse River’s tranquil east bank, with sparkling waters and rocky cliffs.
• Lesse River glimpses near Furfooz, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Open Fields:
• Meadows east of the Meuse, near Furfooz and Chaleux, with wildflowers and pastoral landscapes.
• Forests:
• Dense oak and beech woodlands in Furfooz Park and along east-bank trails, rich with wildlife.
• Historical Sites:
• Furfooz Natural Park: Prehistoric caves, Roman fort ruins, and medieval remnants (~8-10 km).
• Château de Walzin: A 12th-century castle perched dramatically on a cliff, visible from east-bank trails (~13 km).
• Dinant Citadel: Optional detour for a historic fortress with Meuse views (~19 km).
• Charming Villages:
• Chaleux: Tiny riverside hamlet with historical charm (~12-14 km).
• Dinant: End in the iconic town, famous for its cathedral, citadel, and colorful waterfront.
• Highlights:
• Aiguilles de Chaleux: Striking rock spires rising from the Meuse (~11 km).
• Minimal asphalt, using GR126 and Furfooz’s dirt/gravel trails for an immersive nature experience.Elevation gain 527 meters.

Please read carefully all the hike description.

You need to be fit to participate in this walk.

We will start the hike at the station of Dinant at 10:48.

Meeting point

By train: Saturday, July the 5th, at Bruxelles Central Station, Sturbucks café at 8:55. Ride the direct train of 9:07 Platform 3 (but check at the station) which arrives at 10:48 in Dinant (IC 2509 to Namur / Namen & Dinant)

By car: Sunday, July the 5th, 10:48 in front of Dinant train station (outside the station).

Being a loop you can also join by car. Both car and train are convenient, it is your choice. I will go by car.

• Technical difficulty

Requires good physical shape.

Elevation gain 540 mt.

Average speed will be aimed at 4Km/h while walking (so not so fast, but we will walk on steep paths).

• Food

Bring and at least 1.0 L of water and your lunch. We will have a pic-nic on the way.

• Arrival

Dinant around 18:00

• Various and possible

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

• Weather

The weather will be mostly sunny. Rain is not expexcted. Temperatures will be in the range 21° - 26°C. Dress accordingly. You can check the latest weather forecasts on Buienradar

• 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 get lost.

• MeetUp privacy settings

Turn off the privacy settings in MeetUp, for not preventing 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.
If you don't cancel, but you don't show, you make the whole group wait for you unnecessarily, and may also prevent someone on the waiting list to join. This is considered very rude, and may be ground for blacklisting.

• "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 exactly.

• 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.