The best running trails around Bernissart
4.4
(17)
941
runners
79
runs
Jogging routes around Bernissart traverse a varied landscape, featuring a network of canals, open marshes, and dense forests. The region is characterized by its generally flat terrain, with elevations ranging from 15 meters in the Harchies Marshes to 81 meters in the Stambruges Forest. These natural features provide a mix of scenic paths and woodland trails, suitable for different running preferences.
Best jogging routes around Bernissart
- The most popular jogging route is Hunting Avenue – Les Catillons loop from Bernissart…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
101
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
75
runners
8.49km
00:55
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
44
runners
12.6km
01:25
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
41
runners
5.54km
00:34
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
36
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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Mountain biking in this forest is fantastic! You could spend hours here before you've seen everything!
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Ideal playground for practicing.
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Very beautiful passage and peaceful landscape
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The RAVeL route between Ath and Blaton is a quiet and green cycle route that runs along old railways and the charming Blaton-Ath Canal. This flat and well-maintained path offers beautiful views of the Walloon countryside, with fields, forests and small waterways along the way.
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The Stambruges forest is a vast wooded area covering approximately 530 hectares. Composed mainly of beech and oak trees, it is renowned for its biodiversity, notably sheltering species of woodpeckers and other forest birds. The forest is dotted with hiking trails that allow you to discover varied landscapes, including the Mer de Sable nature reserve.
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The Mer de Sable nature reserve is a 22-hectare protected area, renowned for its peat moors and young birch forests. Formerly a pond that dried up in the 19th century, the site is home to exceptional flora, including heather and carnivorous plants such as the sundew. The reserve, classified as a major heritage site in Wallonia, offers marked trails for hiking and observing local biodiversity.
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in the forest of Stambruges (forêt indivisée) - in the area of the 'mer de sable - you can cycle up and down hills to your heart's content, there is some sand and some only real forest land, there are also spontaneous MTB riders who make small hills and jumps. be careful for many walkers, especially on sunny weekend days. This is also a popular place in autumn/winter. update Nov 2023 - storm Ciaran has had an ugly havoc and a few of the access paths to the MTB playground are more difficult to reach due to fallen trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available around Bernissart?
There are over 60 running routes available in the Bernissart region, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels. The komoot community has explored these trails over 600 times.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly jogging routes in Bernissart?
Yes, Bernissart offers several easy running routes, with 5 specifically categorized as such. The region's generally flat terrain, especially along the canals, makes it accessible for beginners. For a moderate but relatively flat option, consider the Les Catillons loop from Bernissart, which is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) with minimal elevation gain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the running trails in Bernissart?
Bernissart's running trails offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find calm, scenic paths along the network of canals, particularly the Blaton-Ath and Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes canals. There are also open marshlands in areas like the Harchies Marshes, and denser woodland trails within the Stambruges Forest. The elevation is generally flat, ranging from 15 meters in the marshes to 81 meters in the forest, providing gentle variations.
Are there any longer distance running routes for more experienced runners?
Absolutely. For a longer run, the Les Catillons – Hunting Avenue loop from Harchies is a popular choice, covering 7.9 miles (12.7 km) and taking about 1 hour 25 minutes. This route combines open marshland scenery with wooded sections, providing varied terrain for a more extended workout.
What are some scenic points or attractions I can see while jogging in Bernissart?
Bernissart's routes offer several scenic points. You can enjoy the tranquil views along the canals, or explore the natural beauty of the Harchies Marshes. The Stambruges Forest also provides a beautiful woodland setting. Notable natural attractions nearby include the Marais d'Harchies-Hensies-Pommerœul Nature Reserve and The Nail Tree of Stambruges.
Are there any circular running routes in the Bernissart area?
Yes, many of the running routes in Bernissart are designed as loops, offering convenient circular paths. A great example is the Hunting Avenue – Les Catillons loop from Bernissart, a 5.3-mile (8.5 km) trail that provides a moderate challenge through diverse landscapes, including sections of the Stambruges Forest.
Are the running routes in Bernissart suitable for families?
Many of Bernissart's running routes, especially those along the flat canal towpaths or shorter loops with minimal elevation, are suitable for families. The diverse natural landscapes, including the Lac de Bernissart and parts of the Stambruges Forest, offer pleasant settings for a family jog or walk. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' for the most family-friendly options.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Bernissart?
The running routes in Bernissart are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 15 reviews. Runners often praise the region's diverse landscapes, which include a mix of peaceful canal paths, open marshes, and dense woodlands, providing varied and engaging experiences for all ability levels.
Are there any challenging running trails in Bernissart?
While Bernissart is generally known for its flat terrain, there are 9 routes categorized as 'difficult' for those seeking a greater challenge. These routes might feature more varied surfaces or slightly more elevation gain, particularly in areas like the Stambruges Forest where altitudes can reach up to 81 meters. For a moderate challenge with some varied terrain, consider the Bon-Secours State Forest – Benches in the middle of the forest loop from Blaton.
Is it possible to access running routes in Bernissart using public transport?
Bernissart is a region with various starting points for its running routes. While specific public transport connections to every trailhead might vary, many routes are accessible from towns and villages within the area. It's advisable to check local bus or train schedules to Bernissart or nearby Harchies and Blaton, which serve as common starting points for several trails.
Are there running routes in Bernissart that offer parking facilities?
Yes, many of the popular running routes and trailheads in Bernissart, especially those starting from towns like Bernissart, Harchies, or Blaton, typically have nearby parking facilities. For example, routes like the The Nail Tree of Stambruges – Stambruges MTB Playground loop from PULCINELLA often have convenient parking options at their starting points or nearby villages.
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