Bikepacking on hidden trails — Ardennes Arbalète

Deep in the Belgian Ardennes, between dark forests and deep valleys, there’s a network of secret paths that few people know about. Away from the main roads, you’ll find a mysterious low mountain range where you can still have a real adventure and explore for hours without meeting anyone. Ardennes Arbalète is the name of the route and lets you delve into the mystical Ardennes mountain range.

Kevin Machtelinckx, the inventor of this route, has no interest in the fastest routes, and instead guides you to unspoilt corners of the Ardennes. To reach these fantastic places, there are one or two trails that will definitely challenge you and embracing these challenges allow you to make the most of the adventure. When you tackle the Ardennes Arbalète, you’ll see a unique side of the region and be rewarded with magical landscapes.

With a hardtail mountain bike, you'll be able to handle most sections of the route. If comfort is not so important to you, you can also do the Tour on a gravel bike. Kevin recommends at least 42 millimetre wide tyres in dry conditions. Note, however, that some parts of the route can become extremely muddy after rainfall.

Highlights along the way include Lac de la Gileppe, a mighty reservoir in the Ardennes foothills. You will explore the Hautes Fagnes with the Signal de Botrange, the highest peak in Belgium. You will also visit the famous brewery of Achouffe and some dreamy Ardennes towns like Houffalize, Malmedy, Sprimont or La-Roche-en-Ardenne. You cycle along gravel roads, single track, cycle paths and quiet side roads. You’ll also cross deep river valleys and climb steep hills. The terrain is often challenging, but gives back many rewarding experiences. In the picturesque towns along the way, you can refuel in wonderful restaurants and boulangeries.

The route starts and ends right in front of Liège's Guillemins station. This is easy to reach by train from all corners of Belgium and is also well connected internationally. I have divided the 370-kilometre (230 mi) route into seven stages. However, this division is only a suggestion, as there are no fixed stages. You can flexibly adjust the length of the stages according to your mood, weather and physical condition.

Here, you can find the entire route in one go: komoot.de/tour/468591704