Are you looking for a fun, exciting, and hidden hike called ‘Balades des Echelles’ (walk of the ladders) in the Ardennes, Belgium?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover EVERYTHING you need to know about this hike, from parking details to tips for navigating the trail in Rochehaut.
Key Takeaways:
- Trail Length and Duration: The Balades des Echelles is 3.1 miles (5 km) long and took about 3 hours to complete.
- Steepness and Difficulty: The hike is challenging, with very steep ascents and descents. The trail includes several ladders (‘les échelles’) attached to near-vertical rock faces. Hiking shoes and mountain sticks are recommended.
- Scenic Beauty: The trail offers spectacular views of the Semois Valley and the river below. It features dense forests, diverse plant life, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Let’s get started!
Overview of the Promenade des échelles
- Trailhead: Balades des Echelles starts in the village of Rochehaut, located above a scenic bend in the Semois River.
- Miles: Approximately 3.1 miles (5 km) long.
- Loop Time: Takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.
- Difficulty: The hike is challenging due to its VERY steep ascents (!) and descents. The ladders (‘les échelles’) are quite easy to take and suitable for almost everyone, including kids aged 10 and older. No technical skills are needed, but hiking shoes and mountain sticks are recommended.
- Elevation Gain: The trail involves significant elevation changes as it goes up and down the flanks of the Semois valley.
- Hike Permit: No hike permit is required for this trail.
- Park Permit: No park permit is needed. You can park at the Rochehaut viewpoint. Make sure to go early, all the spots fill up easily.
- Signs: The trail is well-marked (signs 84 and 43).
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Download The Hiking Route FOR FREE
We recommend downloading the GPX file for the promenade des échelles. Using an app like GPX VIEWER, you can follow the hike on your phone. You can download the free GPX file HERE via Alltrails.
Our Promenade des échelles experience
Starting Point
Specific Address: Rochehaut, near the parking area at the viewpoint over the Semois River.
The Hike Route
- Trailhead to Woods
We began our hike from the parking area in Rochehaut, which offers panoramic views of the Semois Valley (famous for its Instagram-worthy pictures).
We then followed the marked trail (and with our GPX file as backup) as the trail leads you away from the village and into the woods. The trail markings are clear on trees and rocks (84 and 43).
- Descent
The trail took us to a steep descend into the Semois Valley. We should warn you to be prepared for a steep descent that includes navigating several permanent ladders attached to near-vertical rock faces, slippery rocks and the trail sometimes disappears for one or two minutes. Be careful where you put your feet due to the slippery and rocky terrain.
The descent offers occasional views from which you can enjoy the valley and the Semois River below.
- Valley Floor
At the bottom, we walked along the Semois River for 25 minutes. This section is less demanding as it is flat and provides an opportunity to have a picnic or enjoy the environment.
- Ascent
Then, it was time for the most demanding part of the promenade des échelles, the return journey back to Rochehaut. It involved a lot of climbing back up the valley’s steep slopes.
You will encounter three more ladders on the way up. These sections can be particularly challenging and scary, but they are also the most adventurous and fun parts of the hike.
- Return to Rochehaut
The trail loops back to the starting point in Rochehaut, away from the forest, and back into the village.
The ascent ends with a gentle walk through the forest before returning to the viewpoint near the parking area.
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Sights and Highlights during the Walk of the Ladders
- Views: Spectacular views of the Semois Valley and the river below, especially from the ladders and the top viewpoint. The trail offers nice views of the Semois River from various points, making the climb worth the effort.
- Flora and Fauna: Dense forests, diverse plant life, and the possibility of spotting local wildlife such as deer (if you are quiet and go early in the morning) and various bird species.
- Water Features: The Semois River and its tributaries provide picturesque water features along the hike.
After the Hike
After the hike, we had an amazing lunch at Brasserie Auberge de Rochehaut close to where our car was parked. A lovely lunch and the perfect end to our hike!
Where to Stay in Rochehaut
To book all our accommodations when we travel, we always use Booking.com. They have the best prices and very flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation you choose.
Please find below an overview of the different hotels that we can recommend! We stayed in the luxury hotel Auberge de Rochehaut, it was definitely worth it!
Auberge de Rochehaut
- Price: Approximately €180 per night
- Why It’s Special: This luxury hotel features breathtaking views of the Semois Valley, elegantly designed rooms, and top-notch amenities. Guests can savor fine dining at the on-site restaurant, relax with spa services, and experience outstanding hospitality, making it perfect for those desiring a mix of comfort and sophistication.
Taos B&B
- Price: Approximately €75 per night
- Why It’s Special: This budget-friendly option is perfect for hikers and backpackers. Taos B&B in Vresse Sur Semois provides clean, simple rooms and an on-site restaurant serving local food at reasonable prices. Its central location is convenient for exploring the village and surrounding trails, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.
Conclusion
With its free parking, beautiful views over the Semois, downloadable GPX file, and detailed trail guidance, the Balades des Echelles is a beautiful hike worthy of your time in the Ardennes.
Also check out this amazing hike in Malmedy, around one hour from Rochehaut!
Have any extra questions? Ask them in the comments, and we will reply within 24 hours!
