RSF - The Off Road Cycling Club

Belgian Ardennes: Loop Berguème-Nisramont-Berguème

(variety of grades: from easy to hard (in places), depending on weather)

This 26 mile loop will give you a fairly good idea of the Belgian Ardennes landscape. Starting at the campsite of Pont de Berguème on the banks of the river Ourthe. First stretch on road to Wyompont where you leave the road and follow a gravel path climbing onto the plateau and then descending to Cens (church yard is worth a visit). From Cens it's off road for a while, some stretches can be quite muddy in wet conditions. Eventually the path and main road will take you to Ortho, well worth a look round there. From Ortho along the main road to Nisramont,  heading for the path south on the west side of the reservoir. There's a steep climb here, and in wet weather parts can be really awkward, but the scenery makes up for this! On leaving the path(s) here you head west to Warempage, from here south to Ferme au Pont from where you follow the road through the woods to Bertogne. Southwest from here to Moulin de Gives an Trouhérou. Past Givroulle you turn right to follow a minor road through the woods back to Wyompont. You can turn left just before reaching the river Ourthe and follow the path leading back to the campsite at Pont de Berguème, or make for the campsite along the road across the bridge (handy when it's raining cats and dogs).

You'll find cafes along the route, especially at Nisramont and Bertogne.