Rocher de Warche, a challenge for witches and climbers

Just off the road stands the steep wall of the Rocher de Warche. But here we are at the top and have a beautiful view over the valley. And where witches used to gather, today you see climbers. In 1956, the Liège section of the Club Alpin Belgium opened the first six climbing routes. According to this association, the picturesque Rocher de Warche is undoubtedly the most beautiful and interesting in the country. The rock structure belongs to the Bellevaux Formation, made up of some of the oldest rocks in Belgium from the Cambrian period, about 541 to 514 million years ago.

The rock is located on the right bank of the Amblève, facing southwest, and is about 20 to 30 meters high. It consists of solid quartzite, is fairly compact in places, and generally quite smooth.

Quartzite is formed from sand that consists largely of quartz crystals and was initially compressed into sandstone during geological times. In sandstone, the individual sand grains can still be felt. Over time, pressure, and temperature, these individual sand grains became invisible, and we refer to that as quartzite.

But of course, you don't see that steep wall when you are at the top. You do have a nice view of the valley. If you are not brave enough to brave the thin heights, there is still a bench by the road where you can enjoy the bucolic landscape.

Jan Rymenams