Great Trail of Lakes & Castles

Over a distance of 37 kilometers, the longest of the three routes of the Grand Trail des Lacs et Chateaux - winter edition flirts with the 'marat trail'. Add more than 1000 meters of elevation gain on a technical route through the Warche and Bayehon valleys and you are talking about a groundbreaking route.

This trail, like the three other distances of the GTCL - winter edition, starts at the Ovifat ski slope. You immediately dive into the valley of the Bayehon valley, followed by a long climb towards the plateau of the High Fens. Halfway through the climb you pass the 'Cascade du Bayehon', a 9 meter high waterfall located at an altitude of 510 meters, which is formed by the Bayehon river. It is not only the largest natural waterfall in Belgium, but also perhaps the most beautiful due to its setting in this unspoilt piece of nature. A little further on you reach the highest point of the route at 600 meters, north of Longfaye. From here there is a long descent to the Warche river. You wind through the Warche Valley on a mix of single tracks and technical passages that alternate with wider forest trails. The Warche Valley is known for its lush forests in a varied landscape, with large elevation changes that take you to peaks with beautiful viewpoints over the valley. After leaving the valley, you'll cross sights such as Lake Robertville and Reinhardstein Castle. The last part of the trail eventually takes you to the Bayehon Valley. Here you start the last climb towards the finish at the Ovifat ski slope.

Along the way you will pass several places where you can get a quick bite, a drink or a meal. There are catering establishments in the village of Xhoffraix and near Lake Robertville. Here is a chalet near the lake dam. The paths in the region often have covered picnic benches, where you can rest or take shelter in bad weather. There is ample parking close to the Ovifat ski slope, where the route starts and ends.