The best hiking routes in Parc naturel Burdinale-Mehaigne

Parc naturel Burdinale-Mehaigne is defined by two contrasting river valleys carved into the Hesbaye clay plateau. The Burdinale valley is narrow, steep, and heavily wooded, offering shaded paths under beech and oak canopy. In contrast, the Mehaigne valley is wider and flatter, characterized by damp meadows, marshy wetlands, and willow groves. Walking here means transitioning between these damp, low-lying alluvial plains and the open, gently rolling agricultural fields on the high plateau above.

Underfoot, the paths vary from muddy forest tracks and grassy field margins to paved agricultural lanes. In the wetter valley bottoms, particularly around the marshes, boardwalks and raised paths help cross the dampest sections, though the clay soil throughout the park remains naturally heavy. You will notice how the landscape changes from dense woodland to open pasture, with old stone farmhouses and small castles built from local limestone dotting the valley floors.

This is not a wild, mountainous terrain, but a quiet, working rural landscape where nature and agriculture exist side by side. While the plateau paths offer wide views over open fields, the valleys provide sheltered, enclosed walking. The area is generally peaceful, though the villages and easier valley paths can see more local walkers during spring weekends when the wild garlic begins to bloom in the woods.