Outdoor & activities: kayaking, hiking & caves

🛶 Kayaking: the rules on the Ourthe, Amblève, Lesse and Semois

In Wallonia the rules for kayaking are set out in a decree of the Walloon government of 19 March 2009. It sets the times at which you may paddle and the water level at which a river is closed. Below is the original text; you can see the current status per stretch every morning on Infokayak.

Paddling times on the main stretches (Annex 1A)

Annex 1A applies to, among others, the Amblève from Sougné (Aywaille) to Comblain, the Lesse from the Anseremme weir to the Meuse, the Ourthe from Nisramont to Liège and the Semois from Herbeumont to Bohan. On other stretches (Annexes 1B and 1C) shorter times apply: 10 am–5 pm from 1 October to 15 June and 9.30 am–6 pm from 16 June to 30 September; stretches in Annex 1C are closed from 16 March to 30 September.

Too little or too much water

If the average flow over the last 72 hours is below the minimum, paddling is prohibited that day. The same applies if the maximum is forecast. The thresholds per gauging station:

Source: AGW 19 March 2009 (text via etaamb.openjustice.be). This is the original text; later amendments are possible. Current status: Infokayak SPW (updated around 8.15 am); flows: hydrometrie.wallonie.be.

🥾 Two walks you should not miss

Ninglinspo (Aywaille)

From the hamlet of Sedoz you walk about 6 km along the Ninglinspo, a wild stream with rocks and "baths". The area is protected and is on Wallonia's list of exceptional heritage. Wear good shoes.

• Parking on the N633 is prohibited, with a fine of € 116.
• If the car park in Sedoz is full, go to Nonceveux, Sougné-Remouchamps or Aywaille.
• In the hunting season the walk is closed on some days.

Source: Municipality of Aywaille, Ninglinspo car park.

Fondry des Chiens (Nismes, Viroinval)

The Fondry des Chiens lies near Nismes, in the municipality of Viroinval, on the edge of the Ardennes. It is a limestone hollow up to 20 metres deep with large, rounded rocks; such "fondrys" are found in Belgium only in the Viroin area. It is protected as a natural monument. In spring thousands of blue bulb flowers bloom on the limestone grassland beside it.

• Start: the church of Nismes, follow the red rectangle.
• The tourist office has a GPX file for a 6.78 km walk past the Fondry des Chiens and the Roche Trouée.
• Freely accessible; check beforehand in the hunting season.
• ± 61 minutes' drive from Han-sur-Lesse (OSRM).

Source: Viroinval tourism, VISITWallonia.

Want to experience the vast forests of the Ardennes, but looking for the ultimate wilderness with huge fjords, the northern lights and the freedom of the right to roam? Discover our wild camping & nature guide at Scandinavië op Reis (in Dutch).