High Fens and the Belgian Ardennes: Spa to Bastogne

Route description

Liège sits on the Meuse at the edge of the Ardennes. Climb the 374 steps of the Montagne de Bueren for the view before leaving south-east on the E25 and E42 to Spa, about 40 km. The town gave its name to health resorts everywhere, and the Pouhon Pierre-le-Grand spring still pours iron-rich water. The Spa-Francorchamps racetrack lies in the forest 10 km south.

Climb east onto the High Fens, a plateau of peat bog and heath crossed by wooden boardwalks. The Signal de Botrange marks Belgium’s highest point at 694 m, and the nature centre nearby has maps of the trails. Some fen zones close in dry spells because of fire risk, and the plateau is often cloudy and cold, so pack a jacket. Descend to Malmedy, a small town with a cathedral.

Head south-west by Stavelot, with its ruined abbey and museum, to Coo, where the Amblève falls in a double cascade. Continue across the Ardennes to La Roche-en-Ardenne, about 50 km, a town squeezed into a bend of the Ourthe below a ruined castle. The river is popular for kayaking, and the surrounding hills have marked walks.

Finish in Bastogne, 30 km south, the town surrounded by German forces at Christmas 1944. The Mardasson Memorial and the Bastogne War Museum stand together on a hill outside the town. Roads in the Ardennes are good and quiet outside July and August. Autumn colours in October are a highlight, while snow can close the High Fens roads in winter.