La Promenade des Echelles in Belgium is unusual hike as it consists of climbing several ladders. You hike down from village of Rochehaut down to the river and then as you go back up you come across several short ladders. Before or after make sure to visit Panorama de Frahan which offers spectacular views on the snaking river below.
GETTING THERE
Brussels – 150km (2 hours)
Liege – 150km (2 hours)
Luxemburg city (Luxemburg) – 100km (1 hour 15min )
La Promenade des Echelles hike starts at the local church “Eglise Saint-Firmin de Rochehaut”. Free parking is available on N819 just by viewing point Panorama de Frahan, which is short walk from the church. Note that this parking is small and can be full quickly especially on the weekend, so come in early to get spot.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
At the trail head there is map available.
The trail is well sign posted by red rectangle with number 43 next to it. I’m not certain if the signs are in both directions, I believe its intended to walk only one direction so that you go up the ladders, not down. Also to avoid any crowds.
TRAIL DETAILS
From the village church head straight uphill on the tarmac road, after the peak of the small hill you start descending and the road will slowly turn into dirt path through forrest. Start slow descent, which will turn suddenly into quiet steep downhill, after this part it will be easier again, continue on the trail down all the way to the river. Enjoy few 100 meters along the river. You will still walk near to water but you will start mild scramble over tree roots and some bridges. Once you start walking more uphill, you will come across the first ladder. Just take it slow and easy, it is not very high, but it can be bit scary for some. The trail will continue uphill with more ladders, perhaps around 10. Overall the trail is relatively easy with some more challenging parts. At some point you transit back on the tarmac road approaching the village back on the same road you started from. I highly recommend NOT to do this trail after rain as some parts might become very muddy (I had some mud already due to some rain few days prior) and some can be very slippery with risk of slipping and falling.
Not recommended for people with vertigo or fear of heights.
In case you wish you do this hike in autumn, check in advance hunting days as there might be hunt/active shooting ongoing in the forrest.
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Majority of the trail is under trees, so enjoyable also on very sunny day.
Geocaching: There is limited number of geocaches along the trail
Dogs: While it is not forbidden, I strongly discourage completing this hike with dog due to the ladders. There is no alternative route to by-pass the ladders. It might be doable if you have small dog who is not afraid of heights and you are able to carry it in backpack. Do not climb the ladders with the dogs in your hand/arm to assure your and your dogs safety.
Trail running: It is possible to run the trail (intermediate level), but I recommend to do so in low season or during week as the trail is popular and will get crowded and some parts are single person trails.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities along La Promenade des Echelles trail. There are some restaurants in the village at the start. I have not noted any public restrooms at the village.
I completed this hike in October 2023, dry weather, sunny, below 20 degrees. It was little bit busy but since most people follow clockwise direction, you do not meet many.
