The best walks and hikes around Bellaing

Bellaing and its surroundings offer a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 170 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks through the unique landscape of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park.

Yes, Bellaing features many easy trails perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed walk. There are over 60 easy routes, often characterized by gentle elevation changes and scenic views of the natural wetlands and reforested slag heaps. While specific easy routes are not listed here, you can find many options on komoot.

The terrain around Bellaing is diverse, shaped by both natural features and industrial heritage. You'll find paths through lush forests, along the shores of the Mare à Goriaux (a large lake formed by mining subsidence), and over reappropriated slag heaps which offer panoramic viewpoints. The area generally features gentle elevation changes.

Many of the routes around Bellaing are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of the Mare à Goriaux – Old mine bridge loop from Mine de Wallers-Arenberg is a moderate 9.1 km circular hike offering great views.

For those seeking a challenge, Bellaing offers several difficult routes. The View of the Mare à Goriaux – Goriaux Pond loop from Mine de Wallers-Arenberg is a demanding 17.6 km path that provides extensive views across the Mare à Goriaux and its surrounding wetlands.

Hikers can explore a variety of interesting sights. The prominent Goriaux Pond is a central feature, offering beautiful wetland scenery. You might also encounter the historic Trouée d'Arenberg, famous from cycling races, or the unique reforested slag heaps that provide elevated perspectives of the landscape.

Bellaing, with its extensive network of trails through forests and natural areas, is generally welcoming for dog walkers. Many paths within the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park are suitable for dogs, though it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially near wildlife or agricultural areas.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique blend of natural wetlands, reforested slag heaps offering panoramic views, and the peaceful woodlands of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park.

While Bellaing itself is a smaller commune, public transport connections to nearby larger towns like Valenciennes are available. From Valenciennes, local bus services might connect to villages closer to specific trailheads within the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park. Checking local bus schedules for the specific starting point of your chosen hike is recommended.

The Mare à Goriaux is a significant body of water in the region. However, it's primarily a natural reserve and former mining subsidence area. While beautiful for viewing, it is generally not designated for wild swimming. For swimming, it's best to look for official swimming lakes or pools in the wider region.

Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking in Bellaing. Spring brings blooming flora and mild temperatures, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer can also be pleasant, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat. Winter hikes are possible, but trails might be muddy or icy, especially on higher ground.

Beyond the well-known routes, the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park is vast, offering many less-traveled paths. Exploring the smaller trails that branch off the main routes, especially those leading deeper into the forests or around less prominent ponds like Vineyard Pond, can reveal quieter and equally beautiful sections of the region.