Boekzitting Ronse
Bistro Boekzitting
David Samyn
The hiking trail starts at the edge of the Muziekbos, at bistro Boekzitting.
Flemish Ardennes Challenge hiking route
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Flemish Ardennes Challenge hiking route
- Length
- 22,4 km
- Time
- 5u
- Terrain
- 44% Verhard
Boekzitting 10, 9600 Ronse
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Parking
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Public transport
Display public transport on mapWandelknooppuntenbord
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Extended route description
Not afraid of a challenge? Then try your luck on this walking route, and discover what makes the Flemish Ardennes so special: magical forests interspersed with charming villages and panoramic views.
Muziekbos
Muziekbos Ronse
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
De Geuzentoren
David Samyn
Het Muziekbos
David Samyn
During the first few miles of the trail, you traverse the Muziekbos. The name has nothing to do with music, but is derived from the Celtic word for swamp. The Muziekbos lies on the Muziekberg (hill), so be prepared for vigorous climbing and descending.
In the Muziekbos, you'll also come across the Geuze Tower. This unique fairy-tale tower was built long ago as a personal vantage point for the owner of the forest. The tower is important to the Flemish Ardennes because this is where the region got its actual name. One day, the poet Omer Wattez climbed up, looked around and proclaimed: ‘But these are the Flemish Ardennes!’
Ellezelles
Ellezelles
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Ellezelles
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
After the Muziekbos, the route leads you right through Ellezelles. That may not ring a bell, but this village is the fictional birthplace of the famous detective Hercule Poirot. Another famous figure in Ellezelles is the witch Quintine, who was burned at the stake here in the 17th century. You'll find references to this famous witch throughout the village. The tastiest address is without doubt tavern Au Chaudron des Légendes. Here you can taste the regional beers of Brasserie des Légendes, a Quintine blonde, amber or a brown Hercule, brewed right next to the tavern.
Drinking fountain
Waterfontein
David Samyn
Between the nodes 9 and 6, you'll come across a natural drinking fountain. Under the Latin inscription "Aqua fons vitae," which means "Water is the fountain of life," you can fill up your water bottle.
La Houppe
La Houppe
David Samyn
The next village on your route is La Houppe. This charming place, surrounded by forests, with its many cafes and restaurants, is the perfect place to take a breather.
Bos Ter Rijst
Maarkedal
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
After La Houppe, you dive into the Bos (forest) Ter Rijst. This lovely hiking forest is always beautiful, but in spring just a little more so. That's when thousands of wood hyacinths colour the forest purple.
Sinnenbank
Muziekbos
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
During the final part of the route, you go back through the Muziekbos. You'll come across some "sinnenbanken" in the forest, beautifully designed resting benches. Lie down for a while on the bench on the Wilgenstraat, so you can start the final kilometres with recharged batteries.