4.4
(2723)
13,217
hikers
854
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut traverse a diverse landscape characterized by open plains, extensive wooded areas, and numerous water bodies. The region is an alluvial plain, featuring the Escaut (Scheldt) river, a network of canals, and significant wetlands. This mosaic of environments provides varied terrain for hikers, including forests and agricultural zones.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.6
(77)
416
hikers
6.89km
01:46
30m
20m
Hike the easy 4.3-mile Circuit du Grand Large in Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut, featuring the Grand Large de Péronnes and Escaut Lock
4.4
(54)
183
hikers
6.69km
01:56
160m
160m
Hike the easy 4.2-mile Sunrise Poets' Walk in Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut, featuring diverse landscapes and a climb to Mont-Saint-A

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4.8
(29)
90
hikers
5.58km
01:26
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(21)
62
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(12)
57
hikers
3.52km
00:55
20m
20m
This easy 2.2-mile (3.5 km) hiking circuit in Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut offers a family-friendly forest walk with a tree-top expe
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Hello, the photos do not really correspond to the existing paths (apart from the weather) which are much worse today.
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Michel Raulier: The Nail Tree of Stambruges Tree worship in our region is very ancient. Proof of this is the discovery in Blicquy, in the place called "Ville d'Anderlecht," of a set of 120 posts up to 90 cm in diameter. These may have served as supports for offerings, as evidenced by the numerous iron pins found in the filling holes. This could correspond to an artificial sacred grove housing deities, similar to Lucan's description of petrified forests in Pharsalia. In the past, trees, with their longevity and majestic shape, aroused a sense of sacredness in the minds of our ancestors. They were also believed to be capable of helping people solve their problems, particularly health problems. Many customs exist: walking around the tree, driving nails to fix the ailment, and tying cloths or fabrics to bind it. These trees were often Christianized by the installation of religious images or a chapel nearby. One example among others is that of Notre Dame de Foy. In Foy, near Dinant, a woodcutter discovered a 15th-century statuette in the heart of a very ancient oak tree in 1609. Long forgotten, the figurine bearing the image of the Virgin had been placed in a niche carved into the trunk. Over time, the wood completely covered it and erased its memory. In Stambruges, there is one of these remarkable trees, and beside it is a chapel, called "the chapel of Erconpuch" or, by another name, "the chapel of Arc-au-Puche," dedicated to the Virgin Our Lady of Arc-au-Puits, formerly called the Virgin of the Woods.
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In the photo it's a quarry but work has been done and now it's quite flat
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behind the old convent
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Beautiful panorama and quite a bit of elevation. 😅 😉
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Here, we find two wooden benches, perfect for resting in the middle of the forest. Plan a picnic or at least a short stop while jogging.
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The Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 340 routes specifically categorized as easy. This allows for diverse exploration across the park's varied landscapes.
Easy trails in Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut typically feature gentle terrain, traversing open plains, extensive wooded areas, and paths alongside numerous water bodies like the Escaut river and canals. You'll find a mosaic of environments, including forests, wetlands, and agricultural zones, often with minimal elevation changes.
Yes, many easy trails in the park are designed as circular routes, perfect for a relaxed outing. An example is the Grand Large Loop, which offers scenic views and a comfortable walking experience.
While many trails in Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut are dog-friendly, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife. Check local signage for specific regulations on individual routes or protected areas like the Harchies Marshes.
Absolutely. The easy trails, characterized by their gentle terrain and manageable distances, are ideal for families. Routes like the Discovering the trades of yesteryear trail offer an engaging way to explore the park's natural and cultural heritage together.
The park is rich in natural features. You can encounter distinctive pollard willows, extensive wetlands like the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve (a major ornithological site), and unique landscapes such as the 'mer de sable' (sea of sand) in Mer de Sable State Reserve, which even hosts carnivorous plants.
Yes, several easy routes pass by notable landmarks. For instance, you can explore the Bonsecours forest, tracing the history of the Hermitage castle, or visit the The Nail Tree of Stambruges. The Circuit de l'Arbre à clous is a great example of a trail leading through wooded areas with such points of interest.
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for easy hiking, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases beautiful foliage. Summer is also popular, though some areas might be busier.
Parking is generally available at key access points and trailheads throughout the park. The 'Maison du Parc Naturel' can provide specific information on parking facilities near various routes. Many starting points for popular trails, such as those near L'Escale forestière, offer designated parking areas.
Public transport options to reach specific trailheads within the Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving to the main visitor centers or starting points, which are often more accessible.
Yes, you can find cafes and restaurants in the villages and towns surrounding the park, as well as near major attractions like L'Escale forestière. These spots offer opportunities to refuel before or after your hike, often serving local specialties.
The easy trails in Parc Naturel Des Plaines De L’Escaut are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 2,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, the diverse landscapes of plains and wetlands, and the well-maintained paths that make for a relaxing and accessible outdoor experience.
Yes, the park offers several shorter, easy walks perfect for beginners or a quick stroll. For example, the Avenue de l'Hermitage Circuit is a shorter route that provides a pleasant and accessible introduction to the park's natural beauty.


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