The hiking route at Le Hérou is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular in Belgium. Here, you walk along sheer cliffs, climb down using a chain, and are captivated by the view over the Ourthe valley. You only need a few hours and 3.5 km of perseverance for this. Of course, you can easily upgrade this 3.5 km walk into a real hike!
Practical Information:
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Duration: 2 hours
- Start: Parking Hotel Le Belvédère de Nadrin
- Signs: blue-white signs & GR markings
- Difficulty Level: difficult
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Starting at Hotel Le Belvédère de Nadrin
The starting point of the hike is the parking lot of what is now an abandoned hotel. Hotel Le Belvédère de Nadrin must once have been a beautiful hotel with a fantastic view over the region, but nowadays it’s a place where urban photographers and other enthusiasts come and explore. Although the building was once well-sealed, now almost all the windows are broken, and it has fallen into decay.
You can park your car here for free without any problem while you go on your hike!
Tip: You can climb to the top of the old hotel to reach the iron viewpoint. From here, you have a wide view of the region. Entering the building is at your own risk, and climbing the tower can be dangerous.
The Hiking Route
The first time I visited Le Hérou, I was quite confused. The route most people describe online is not signposted anywhere on-site. Of course, there are plenty of routes, but if you want to do the 3.5 km hike, you’ll have to rely on your own creativity, judgment, and… the GPX route, of course!
Start the route by walking into the forest along the hotel. Here you will find a path marked by a blue-white sign and the GR stripes. Follow the GR route to walk close to the rocks. For a safer option, follow the blue-white signs, but this is much less impressive of course.
The GR route literally lets you climb over the rocks. In several places, the foliage gives way to breathtaking views of the Ourthe Valley. Here, you can immediately see how deeply the rocks plunge straight down. Not for the faint of heart!
At one point, you’ll come across the cliffs and a heavy iron chain. This takes you down along the rock face until you stand at the banks of the river. Be careful, as the descent is quite steep.
Once you have reached the bottom, you’ll have to continue walking without waymarks, but luckily, it’s not very difficult! Simply follow the river to the right. On this narrow path, you walk about a kilometer along the water, up and down, over and under tree trunks, and along some slippery rocks.
As soon as you pass the big bend in the river, you will suddenly see a GR marking again. This path takes you back up through the forest until you reach the place where the chain descended. Here you can choose to climb back up along the rocks or take the safer path through the trees. After a steep climb, you’ll return to the parking lot where you started!
Important: The hike itself is very challenging because you descend and ascend a lot of altitude in a short time. Walking along the cliffs also requires alertness. You wouldn’t be the first to fall here and not survive.
Good to Know
- Dogs are allowed on the hiking route but should be kept on a leash given the dangerous rocky areas.
- It is not possible to do the hike with a stroller.
- Avoid this hike in wet or slippery weather. A firm grip and thus good hiking shoes are essential.
- Hunting takes place in this area in the fall. Check the hunting calendar in advance.
Staying in the neighbourhood
New: e-book ’25 Best Hikes in Belgium’
This e-book provides you with everything you need to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in Belgium. From detailed route descriptions to the best sights along the way – from now on you will be fully prepared to hit the road.
1 thought on “Le Hérou: Hiking on the Cliffs in Nadrin”
This post offers an exciting and thrilling look at the Le Hérou hike, with great insights into the challenging cliffs and stunning views of the Ourthe Valley—perfect preparation before hitting the trail!