The best running trails in Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park

Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park offers a vast network of over 470 running routes. These trails cater to various preferences, from easy, flat paths to more challenging, longer distances, ensuring there's something for every runner.

The park features a diverse landscape, including extensive plains, dense forests like Bonsecours and Stambruges, and tranquil wetlands and waterways, with the Escaut River weaving through. While generally flat, some areas, such as around Mont-Saint-Aubert, offer gentle elevation changes. You can also explore unique natural features like the "Mer de Sable" State Reserve, known for its peat moors and young birch forests.

Yes, the park has routes ideal for families and beginners. There are 24 easy routes available. An excellent option is the Circuit du Maréchal de Croÿ n°30, an easy 2.9-mile (4.7 km) path that offers a straightforward run through the natural environment.

The running routes in Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 120 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse scenery, from peaceful forests and open plains to serene waterways, and the well-maintained trails that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Yes, for experienced runners seeking a challenge, the park offers 44 difficult routes. One such route is the Bois de Bon-Secours and Lake Bernissart Loop, a 12.8-mile (20.6 km) trail with over 100 meters of elevation gain, navigating through dense forest and alongside the lake.

Absolutely. Many of the park's trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Grand Large de Péronnes loop from Parc Naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut, a 5.0-mile (8.0 km) trail leading through varied landscapes.

Yes, the park is rich in points of interest. You can run past historical sites like the magnificent Château de Beloeil, often called the "Belgian Versailles." Natural highlights include the unique Mer de Sable State Reserve and the important ornithological site of the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in Plaines De L'Escaut Natural Park, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife. Always check local signage for specific restrictions or protected areas.

The park is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Summer is great for shaded forest runs, while winter can provide a unique, tranquil experience, though some paths might be muddy or icy. Always check weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, the Bonsecours Forest is a significant feature of the park. The Bois de Bon-Secours and Lake Bernissart Loop is a popular route that takes you directly through this scenic wooded area.

While specific parking details for each route vary, many trailheads and visitor centers, such as L'Escale Forestière in Bon-Secours, offer parking facilities. For public transport, it's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to nearby towns and then plan your route accordingly. Information on the park's access points can often be found on local tourism websites like visitwapi.be.

Yes, you can explore the distinctive landscape of the "Mer de Sable" State Reserve. The route Old observation towers – Stambruges MTB Playground loop from Stambruges, while longer, passes near this unique 22-hectare protected area known for its peat moors and young birch forests, offering distinctive scenery.