The best walks and hikes around Athies

Athies offers a wide selection of hiking routes, with over 250 trails recorded on komoot. These include approximately 120 easy routes, 115 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every ability level.

The hiking terrain in Athies is characterized by its flat landscape, primarily following greenways, canals, and river towpaths. You can expect gentle gradients and open views of the surrounding countryside, with minimal elevation changes. The paths often trace the Scarpe river and historic "Chemin de Halage" (towpaths).

Yes, Athies is well-suited for easy walks. With over 120 routes classified as easy, the flat terrain along canals and greenways makes it ideal for relaxed strolls. These routes are perfect for beginners or those looking for a less strenuous outdoor experience.

While the region is known for its gentle terrain, there are longer moderate routes available. For example, the Chemin de Halage – The Scarpe by bike loop from Athies is a moderate 5.8-mile (9.4 km) trail that offers a good distance for those looking for a longer outing along the towpaths.

The trails in Athies are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful waterside paths, the accessibility of the routes, and the scenic views along the canals and greenways.

Yes, many of the hiking routes in Athies are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. An example is the Towpaths – Chemin de Halage loop from Fampoux, which is a moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) loop that allows you to explore the area without retracing your steps.

Absolutely. The flat terrain, minimal elevation changes, and well-maintained greenways and towpaths make Athies an excellent destination for family-friendly hikes. Many of the easy routes are suitable for children and offer a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many public paths and greenways in France, especially on towpaths. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially near canals or in areas where wildlife might be present. Check for specific local signage regarding dog access on individual trails.

Given the region's focus on canals, rivers, and green spaces, you might encounter various bird species, including waterfowl along the Scarpe river. Small mammals and insects are also common in these natural environments. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna as you explore the towpaths.

While hiking, you can explore several nearby attractions. Consider visiting the historic Canadian National Vimy Memorial or the Arras Citadel. For natural and historical sites, the Vimy Ridge Shell Craters and the Sainte-Bertille Spring offer unique points of interest.

While specific parking information for every trailhead isn't always available, it's common to find designated parking areas in or near villages and towns that serve as starting points for popular routes, especially along the canals and greenways. Look for public parking in Athies or nearby Fampoux and Saint-Laurent-Blangy.

Public transport options to reach trailheads in Athies may vary. It's recommended to check local bus schedules or regional train services that connect to Athies or nearby towns like Arras, which often have connections to smaller communities. From these points, you can typically access the network of towpaths and greenways.

The flat and open nature of the trails in Athies makes them enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with fewer crowds. Summer is also suitable, though it can be warmer. Winter hikes are possible, but paths might be damp, and views more stark.