Where to go rollerblading in Belgium?

Tourism Where to go rollerblading in Belgium? Because summer roller parades aren't the only option, here are five bucolic routes where you can skate whenever you want. Tested and approved by Laure, a journalist on wheels. Along the Sambre The route Starting from Aulne Abbey, the 'ravel' (a redeveloped old railway line) runs along the Sambre and offers exceptional views of the ruins, surrounded by greenery. The enclosed valley is nevertheless very sunny: a good opportunity to perfect your tan... especially by the water. Small locks punctuate the circuit... as well as a few terraces. The route is calm and exotic. Length 28 kilometers to Erquelinnes, or 56 kilometers round trip... But nothing prevents you from turning back when there's still time! Level Beginner. Quality Practicable asphalt surface, but quite rough. The path is completely flat and runs along the Sambre. To see in the surroundings The ruins of Aulne Abbey, open from 10 am to 6 pm. How to get there? Take the Brussels-Charleroi motorway (A54). After the Luttre-Pont-à-Celles exit, take the E42 towards Mons. After 8 km, at Gouy, take the R3. After about 12 km, leave the R3 at Montigny-le-Tilleul. Exit right towards Gozée, and drive about 6 km. Before Gozée, ± 400 m after a roundabout, follow the sign "Abbaye d'Aulne" and continue on this road for about 6 km. As soon as you see the ruins, park in one of the many car parks. In the woods, near Chimay The route The path crosses the woods of the Chimay region and runs along the N53. The walk is very peaceful: not a sound, except for the rustling of leaves or the singing of birds... In hot weather, it's ideal: you skate in the shade of the branches. However, in autumn, the less skilled will be a little bothered by the leaves and branches cluttering the path. You should plan to bring something to eat or drink during the walk: you won't find any eateries, but there are picnic tables. Length 17 km round trip. Skating leisurely, the loop is completed in 1 hour 30 minutes. Level Beginner to intermediate (it goes up and down a bit... knowing how to brake can be useful!) Quality With very smooth asphalt, the path is of very good quality. To see in the surroundings The small town of Chimay, for a charming walk... without rollerblades: the streets are cobblestone and the town is perched on top of a hill! How to get there? Departure from Robechies • R3 (Charleroi), exit n°5 towards Beaumont. N53, Beaumont, Chimay. The path starts along the N53, before the sign indicating Robechies at 1 km. Parking is provided at the edge of the N53, near the route. • A TEC bus stops right in front of the path via line 109a Charleroi-Chimay station, or via line 132c Walcourt-Froidchapelle. Departure from Froidchapelle • NS Charleroi-Philippeville. At Laneffe, take the dam road towards Walcourt (N978). At Rance, turn towards Froidchapelle. Before the village, and at the exit of the woods, the 'ravel' is indicated to the right, not far from an old station... Parking is provided. In Anderlecht, along the canal The route It's not difficult, but it must be admitted that there are nicer places in Belgium... Nevertheless, for Brussels residents who want to get active on a summer evening, it's easily accessible. The path along the Charleroi canal runs past factories, passes under the ring road. You can race with the many barges queuing to pass through the locks. Length You can go to Halle by following the canal. 24 km round trip. Level Beginner. Quality The path is completely flat, but the surface is quite rough, sometimes with small gravel. To see in the surroundings If it rains, head to the roller park located between Dehen bridge and Kalken bridge (300 quai de Biestebroeck, 1070 Brussels, tel: 02/522.59.15). You can practice on ramps, springboards there... Even more athletic than a stroll! How to get there? The route starts a little after the lock, at the Dehem street bridge on the Canal dike towards Ruysbroeck. There is parking on the bank. Along the Dendre The route From Ath, two walks: either go up the Dendre to Belœil. Or go down towards Lessines. On this second route, the landscape is very open, bordered by meadows, fields, with distant church steeples and poplars under which cows shelter. Very much a Belgian postcard! For a snack, about 3 km after the start you'll find the tavern "Au Fil de l'eau", which lives up to its name and offers a shaded terrace. Length 10 km towards Lessines. Allow two good hours for the round trip. Level Beginner. Quality The asphalt surface is very smooth. Some roads cross the 'ravel', the path is then cobblestone and less practicable for a few meters. To see in the surroundings Belœil, the town of Ath. How to get there? Take the E19-A7 Brussels/Charleroi-Mons-Paris. At exit 21, take the E429-A8 towards Doornik-Edingen-Aat-Rijsel (Tournai-Enghien-Ath-Lille). At exit 30, follow the N56 towards Ath, pass under the E429-A8 motorway, at the 3rd roundabout, before the N7, take the fourth road N56 towards Primevère-Hall d'exposition. Cross the bridge and just after the right turn, park in front of the lock keeper's house. The towpath is located right along the Dendre. By the Dyle The route From Mechelen, the first kilometers are far from charming, but it's worth persevering. At the start, the towpath is sandwiched between the Dyle, the National road, and the motorway... but after passing under the motorway and skirting industrial buildings, nature takes over, and birds abound: gulls, geese of all breeds, moorhens come to nest or fish in the canal and the ponds that border it. You'll find a typical landscape of our flat country, with poplars, cows, and farms. To reach Walem, you must always stay on the same path, do not cross the blue metal bridges. However, to extend the walk and make a loop, you must take the first blue metal bridge on the left. Go up the Dyle to reach the bank of the Nèthe. Follow the canal for 5.6 km until a bridge. Cross it and go down the Nèthe. When you reach the Dyle again, cross the lock and join the path that runs along the Dyle, on the other bank. In five kilometers, you will be back in Mechelen. Length 7 km to reach Walem, an additional 13 km to reach Lier. Level Beginner. Quality The asphalt surface is brand new and excellent for the first few kilometers, becoming rougher afterwards. To see in the surroundings The city of Mechelen and its outlets (factory stores). How to get there? Take the E19-A1 Brussels/Antwerp (Antwerpen) and exit at Mechelen-Noord, exit 9. Turn right onto the N16 towards Mechelen-Centrum. After 1.3 km, turn right at the second traffic light (there's a McDonald's on the right), park next to the McDonald's. Put on your skates and retrace your steps... To reach the towpath, cross the bridge over the Dyle. The path is just on the other side along the N16, at the intersection of "Guido Gezellelaan" and "Edgard Tinellaan" boulevards. Our advice → You will mainly skate on towpaths or 'ravels' (old railway lines that form straight linear paths). If you don't like retracing your steps, plan for a "sweep" person to pick you up at the other end. → Take water with you and possibly a picnic... You will often come across tables along the path or welcoming meadows. → Don't forget to wear your protective gear and bring plasters and disinfectant just in case. Other ideas for walks • Online www.rouliroula.com. A Belgian site that provides technical advice for learning to skate, but also practical information on rollerblading, rides, centers, and a forum where you can find many routes tested and commented on by internet users. • A book Le Guide des Randonnées Roller en Belgique (The Guide to Rollerblading Excursions in Belgium), which lists 24 nature rides, Lannoo, €12.95.