Trail running weekend in the Belgian Ardennes: Bouillon and Giant's Tomb
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationEurope / Belgium
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.65 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Fancy swapping the asphalt for trails without the pressure of a timer? The Belgian Ardennes are the ideal playground for an introduction to trail running . Around Bouillon , this small group trip for 4 to 10 participants immerses you in the heart of unspoiled nature, between majestic forests and landscapes shaped by the Semois River .
Guided by Charles, a physiotherapist and trail running coach , you'll benefit from expert advice to master the terrain. Posture, foot placement, effort management , and uphill and downhill running techniques are covered to help you run with confidence. The progression is smooth: a 12km run with 300m of elevation gain on Saturday to learn the fundamentals on the heights of Saty , followed on Sunday by an 18km stage with 600m of elevation gain leading to the iconic panorama of the Giant's Tomb .
To recharge your batteries, you'll stay in a hostel in Bouillon in a shared room . The warm welcome includes full board from dinner on the first evening to Sunday's picnic . A blend of sport, technical advice, and camaraderie to help you reach a new level with complete peace of mind.
The highlights
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Introduction to trail running with Charles, physiotherapist and coach: ascent, descent, posture
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Ascent to Saty and viewpoint of the Giant's Tomb above the Semois
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Overnight stay in a hostel in Bouillon, dinner, breakfast and picnic included
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
This weekend is for runners who want to discover trail running in a relaxed atmosphere, without any performance goals. No prior trail running experience is necessary.
This trip is for you if:
- You run 1 to 2 times a week.
- You can do 3 to 5 hours of daily exercise on varied terrain (alternating running and walking).
- You are capable of covering 12 to 20 km and 300 to 800 m of elevation gain per day.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 450 m
- Average daily descent: 475 m
Management
French
English
A trained physiotherapist, coach, and trail running enthusiast, I work with both beginners and experienced runners. We can discuss the physical demands of trail running, injury prevention, performance, or simply share our experiences on the trails in a friendly atmosphere.
Program
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Banks of the Semois and ascent to the Saty
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 11:00 AM at the inn on Route du Christ in Bouillon: introductions and weekend program. We'll depart along the Semois River on a rolling route, followed by the first real challenge: the climb to Saty. We'll have a picnic lunch in the forest at the summit (bring your own), then return via the Bouillon trails and free time in town. At the end of the day, the guide will review the fundamentals of trail running and answer questions before we share a meal at the inn.
Day 1 -
Ardennes Forest and Giant's Tomb
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we'll start with a climb, then the trails will wind through the Ardennes forest to the Giant's Tomb and its view over the Semois River. We'll have a picnic lunch there, then continue the second part of the hike to Bouillon. The course will end around 4 pm.
Day 2
Accommodation
One night in a hostel in the centre of Bouillon, on the road to Christ, in a shared room with single beds.
Access
Meet at 11am at the Bouillon inn, end of the weekend around 4pm in Bouillon.
Go to the starting point
Take the train to Libramont station (SNCB), then bus 8 (approximately 45 minutes) to the Bouillon Quai du Rempart stop, and walk 1 km to the hostel.
Parking at the hostel. A WhatsApp group is opened 10 days before departure to organize carpooling.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay was supervised by Charles, physiotherapist and trail running coach.
- 1 night in a hostel in Bouillon, in a shared room
- Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast and picnic
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Saturday lunchtime picnic
- Personal consumption
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Trail running bag of 8 to 12 L, water bladder or water bottles (1.5 to 2 L minimum per day), Saturday lunch picnic, energy snacks, toiletry kit, identity document, phone and charger, bank card and cash.
- Optional: GPS watch, poles (if you're used to it), Compeed, small first aid kit.
Clothing to bring
- Trail shoes already broken in, tights or long underwear, shorts (x2), breathable t-shirts, technical socks, waterproof and breathable jacket like Gore-Tex, light windbreaker, hat, light gloves, cap or buff.
