Belgium is brimming with long-distance hiking trails (GR) and regional hiking trails (GRP) that wind through deep forests, verdant valleys, nature reserves, charming villages, and heritage sites. Whether you're looking for a day hike starting from a train station or a multi-day trek with camping or overnight accommodations, there's always a GR trail to suit your pace.
In this " Hiking Shop " selection, we offer route ideas by region, with essential information such as distance, atmosphere, and difficulty level. And to ensure a worry-free start, you'll also find links to useful equipment throughout the article.
Brussels and Walloon Brabant
Auderghem, the Sonian Forest in its “green lung” version
Just a stone's throw from the capital, this loop immerses you in a true haven of nature thanks to the forest paths and shaded parks surrounding Brussels. The route alternates between comfortable paths and wilder sections along the edge of the Sonian Forest , with a short urban stretch between Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort.
Good to know: at the end of the route, you pass near the old Rouge-Cloître abbey and the Jean Massart botanical garden.
- Distance: 20.6 km (shortcut possible)
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: loop, ideal for a day trip
Villers-la-Ville, valleys, marshes and mythical abbey
This hike offers a concentrated dose of Brabant landscapes: valleys, sunken lanes, wetlands, and beautiful countryside dotted with charming houses. The highlight is the majestic ruins of the Cistercian abbey of Villers-la-Ville and its verdant surroundings.
- Distance: 26.1 km (shortcut possible)
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: loop, heritage + nature
Tour of Walloon Brabant, a great gentle crossing
For a multi-day adventure , Walloon Brabant is perfectly suited to a long route linking estates, ponds, villages, and meadow landscapes. It's a varied and enjoyable route with numerous cultural points of interest.
- Distance: 266 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: itinerant (several days)
Practical tip: to avoid car logistics, favour “station-to-station” departures and arrivals.
Province of Liège
Krinkelt, Eastern Townships and Holzwarche Valley
A scenic and varied route : an ascent through forest and country lanes, followed by a descent into a cooler, wetter valley, offering panoramic views and peaceful sections through meadows. In spring, some areas are renowned for their wildflowers.
- Distance: 21.6 km (shortcut possible)
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: day loop
Franchimont, a family hike with a castle
A hilly loop suitable for families, in a typical Ardennes bocage landscape. Franchimont Castle provides a real "reward" objective and adds a beautiful historical dimension.
- Distance: 10.9 km
- Level: easy (family)
- Type: loop
Tour of the Herve region, meadows, orchards and local produce
The Herve region is perfect for a leisurely hike: meadows, orchards, welcoming villages, farms, and idyllic paths. An excellent option if you enjoy long walks in open landscapes, with opportunities for gourmet breaks.
- Distance: 170 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: roaming
Province of Namur
Bioul: Heritage, castles and vineyards
A hike that combines countryside, forest and heritage: farms, villages, castles and manicured gardens. The "vineyards and castles" section offers a very different atmosphere from the vast Ardennes forests.
- Distance: 20.2 km (shortcut possible)
- Difficulty level: difficult (significant elevation gain)
- Type: loop
Goyet, a short family-friendly loop and caves
Ideal for families with children: short distance , varied scenery, and the option to extend the outing with a visit to a cave or natural site. A perfect option for an active half-day.
- Distance: 6.4 km (shortcut possible)
- Level: easy (family)
- Type: loop
Tour of the Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse region, with water as the common thread
A long and very diverse route, taking in wetlands, valleys, forests, and hills, offering a true "geological" interpretation of the landscapes. If you enjoy long distances and scenic journeys , this is a sure bet.
- Distance: 262 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: roaming
Hainaut
Spiennes, countryside, UNESCO heritage and slag heap
A hike that shatters preconceived notions: countryside and villages lie alongside a surprising industrial and archaeological heritage. The panoramic view from a slag heap and the discovery of listed mining sites offer a truly unique outing.
- Distance: 22.5 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: loop
Beloeil, forests, clearings and canal
A very accessible route , without major elevation changes: forests, nature reserves, clearings, then a more “water” atmosphere along the canal, with an arrival that can offer superb views.
- Distance: 22 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: loop
Great Crossing of the Chimay Country Forest
A nature trail , still relatively unknown, through a vast forest and ever-changing landscapes. An excellent option if you're looking for tranquility and a true sense of immersion.
- Distance: 178 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: roaming
Province of Luxembourg
Bouillon, Semois river and spectacular viewpoints
A route perfect for lovers of panoramic views, with challenging climbs and breathtaking vistas over the Semois Valley . A classic that requires a reasonable level of fitness and good equipment.
- Distance: 20.1 km (shortcut possible)
- Difficulty level: difficult (steep elevation gain)
- Type: loop
Transinne, a family loop along the Lesse
A gentler, very pleasant outing along the river, with a "forest + water" atmosphere that is very appealing. By starting early or late in the day, wildlife sometimes makes an appearance.
- Distance: 11.4 km (shortcut possible)
- Level: easy (family)
- Type: loop
Tour of Belgian Luxembourg, a journey to see “big”
A great route to explore the province in depth: dark forests , plateaus, valleys, local heritage… It’s an adventure that rewards those who take the time.
- Distance: 226 km
- Difficulty: difficult
- Type: roaming
The GR 5, the essential long-distance hiking trail
The GR 5 is one of the best-known long-distance hiking trails in Belgium: marked with red and white blazes, it crosses diverse landscapes and connects several countries. In Belgium, it serves as an excellent "entry point" into long-distance hiking, with sections that can be adapted to different routes.
Getting the right equipment for long-distance hiking in Belgium
On a long-distance hiking trail, comfort often comes down to the details: suitable shoes, socks, a waterproof jacket, a properly adjusted pack, and the necessary navigation tools. Even on routes close to inhabited areas, the weather can change quickly and the ground can be muddy or slippery.
- Footwear: Hiking boots
- Rain gear: Waterproof hiking jackets
- Carrying: Hiking backpacks
- Comfort: Hiking socks
- Stability: Walking sticks
- Navigation: Compasses
In summary
From the Sonian Forest to the Ardennes valleys, from towpaths to panoramic views of the Semois River, the Belgian long-distance footpaths (GRs) offer incredible diversity, accessible by train, for a weekend or several days. Choose a route according to your fitness level, check the weather forecast, and set off with the equipment that will make your hike more enjoyable.
Find everything you need for your next outings at Boutique Randonnée .