Bikepacking in Belgium: discovering Hainaut
Gravel in Wallonia: set off to discover the Hainaut region with this gravel route
Travelling close to home is possible! Our mechanic, Denis, suggests this route that he rode this year over two days.
Last March, our mechanic Denis and his friend Tanguy set off to discover Walloon Brabant and Hainaut. Always happy to share his experiences, Denis has put together an improved route that showcases the picturesque landscapes and hidden treasures of our country.
One of the many forest crossings
Along this route, you can admire many iconic monuments such as Aulne Abbey, the town of Thuin, the ramparts of Binche, the Quesnoy slag heap and the Strépy-Thieu boat lift.
Further on, discover the Hallerbos, the Lion’s Mound at Waterloo, Villers-la-Ville Abbey and also the Château de Corroy-le-Château.
Starting from Namur, the track begins gently along the Ravel, then gains height on beautiful dirt roads and wild trails. Vitrival, Biesme, Hanzinne, Tarcienne and Nalinnes will be the first small villages you ride through.
Denis in front of the Lion’s Mound at Waterloo
The Strépy-Thieu funicular lift, 73 metres high
The route in detail on Strava
With a 50/50 split between dirt roads and tarmac, it’s a superb route for bikepacking. There are very few “MTB” sections and very little carrying. Almost everything can be ridden without getting off the bike.
Denis and Tanguy completed it in two days, with a pleasant stop in Soignies: “We got there around 18:00, but the first day was quite intense: 132 km with lots of dirt roads and climbing. On the second day, the counter still showed 116 km.
If we did it again, we might have added a stage to really enjoy the magnificent landscapes. For example by finding accommodation on Warmshowers.org, a community site where bike travellers host other bike travellers in their homes”
Any questions? Give us a call or come and say hello to Denis at the Namur workshop.
The adventure starts around the corner!
Villers-La-Ville Abbey. ©Juontheroad
The town of Thuin. ©visithainaut
Château de Corroy-le-Château. ©Wikipedia
Denis’s Kona Rove LTD, fitted with Restrap bags.
Planning a bike trip? Our travelling mechanics teach you how to fix things on the road: trip preparation.
