The Most Beautiful Winter Hiking Trails around the Domaine du Bonsoy
Winter in the Ardennes has something magical about it. Nature, stripped bare, reveals its skeleton, its lines of force. The silence is deeper, the air crisper, the light more precious. It’s a season that invites introspection and exertion, and hiking becomes much more than just physical activity: a true quest for beauty and serenity. Far from being a dead season for walking, winter offers unique conditions for rediscovering landscapes we thought we knew. The bare trees open up new perspectives, the frost sculpts details invisible the rest of the year, and the few people on the trails give you the feeling of being a privileged explorer.
From your bungalow at Domaine du Bonsoy, you’re at the heart of a network of trails perfect for winter hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned walker looking for a challenge or a family seeking an invigorating stroll, the Hastière and Dinant region has a route to offer. We’ve selected three trails, each with its own distinct character, that will make you fall in love with the Ardennes in winter. Put on your best hiking boots, bundle up warmly, and follow the guide. This selection is the perfect complement to our guide on the… family walks with your dog, focusing on the specific characteristics of the winter season.
1. The Hermeton Belvedere: A Panoramic and Sporty Hike
•Distance : 9 km
•Difficulty : Difficult (significant elevation gain)
•Starting point : Church of Hermeton-sur-Meuse
•Why we love it in winter : This is a hike that requires some effort, but the reward is well worth it. In winter, the bare trees reveal spectacular views of the Hermeton Valley and its confluence with the Meuse River. The highlight is the Belvedere viewpoint, where the panorama is breathtaking, especially if the morning mist still clings to the valley. The trail, sometimes technical and muddy, is an excellent playground for those who enjoy a challenge.
•The most wintry : In freezing weather, the small waterfalls along the trail transform into ice sculptures. The low afternoon light on the ridges is an unforgettable sight.
•Advice : This hike should only be undertaken in dry (or icy) weather to avoid slipping. Very good waterproof hiking boots are essential. Bring a thermos of hot drink for a refreshing break at the viewpoint.
2. The Tour of Freÿr Castle: The Royal and Historical Walk
•Distance : 6 km
•Difficulty : Facile
•Starting point : Freÿr Castle Parking
•Why we love it in winter : This easy loop offers magnificent views of one of Belgium’s most beautiful castles and its formal French gardens. In winter, the gardens’ structure, designed by Le Nôtre, is particularly striking. The walk alternates between the banks of the Meuse River and agricultural plateaus, offering a beautiful diversity of landscapes. Passing by the Freÿr rocks, the largest climbing area in Belgium, is impressive, even without climbing.
•The most wintry : The silhouette of the castle against a low, milky winter sky has a very romantic quality. It’s an ideal walk for a family afternoon, accessible to all.
•Advice : Even though the castle is closed in winter, its grounds remain accessible. The walk can end with a visit to the charming little town of Waulsort, just opposite, by taking the water passage if it is in service (to be verified).
•Useful link : https://www.freyr.be/
3. The Waulsort Forest: The Silent and Mysterious Immersion
•Distance : 7 km
•Difficulty : Average
•Starting point : Waulsort Center
•Why we love it in winter : This is the ultimate “cocooning” hike. It quickly leads you into a dense forest of beech and oak trees. In winter, the atmosphere is almost mystical. The silence is broken only by the sound of your footsteps and the songs of a few birds. The trail is well-marked and presents no major technical difficulties, but it offers a true sense of isolation and disconnection.
•The most wintry : It’s the perfect playground for observing animal tracks in the mud or fresh snow. With a little patience and discretion, at dawn or dusk, you might spot a deer or a fox. The beech forest, even without leaves, retains an impressive majesty.
•Advice : This is an excellent hike to do in snowy weather. The forest then transforms into a fairytale landscape. Bring a compass or GPS app, as the trails can be less visible under the snow.
Equipment and Safety: The Keys to a Successful Winter Hike
Winter hiking is not something to be taken lightly. To ensure the enjoyment remains complete, a few precautions are necessary.
•The 3-Layer System : This is the golden rule. Technical underwear to wick away perspiration, a fleece for insulation, and a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against the elements.
•Feet dry and warm : High-top, waterproof hiking boots are essential. Pair them with good merino wool socks.
•Safety First : The days are short. Always set off in the morning and allow extra time. Bring a headlamp, even for a daytime hike. A portable charger for your phone is also a good idea.
•Comfort in the Bag : A thermos of tea, coffee or hot soup, some cereal bars, dried fruit… The exertion and the cold work up an appetite!
Winter hiking is a school of humility and wonder. It teaches us to appreciate beauty in its simplest, most raw form. It reminds us that nature is a constant spectacle, if only we take the time to venture out into it. From the comfort of your bungalow at Bonsoy, these silent treasures await you. Don’t hesitate any longer; adventure is just around the corner.
