Station-to-station paddler // Ourthe // Barvaux to Hamoir (14km), Rivage (25km) of Poulseur (29km)

Public transportation: https://www.belgiantrain.be/ - starting point: Barvaux (train station) - end point: Poulseur (train station)

Access points: entry/embarkation: Aire de Barvaux Basse Comène - exit/disembarkation: Rue de l'Ourthe, Poulseur

Navigability: kayak.environnement.wallonie.be - Ourthe

Take the train from Liège or Marloie station to Barvaux station. Walk approximately 1 km to the entry point "Basse Comène," where you can inflate your SUP board, kayak, or packraft.

The paddling route is approximately 14 km to the exit point "Aires Les Bains" in Hamoir, 25 km to Rivage, and 29 km to Poulseur. Along the way, there are several official entry and exit points where you can take breaks.

The exit point in Hamoir is about 500 m from the train station. In Rivage and Poulseur, there are no official exit points, but you can exit near the respective train stations. From Hamoir, Rivage, and Poulseur, you can catch a train back to Liège or Marloie. You’ll also pass Comblain-la-Tour, around 20 km in, where you could take the train, but note that stopping here is not permitted.

Be aware that just past Rivage, at the confluence with the Amblève, there is a split in the river. Take the (narrower) right channel, as the left channel leads to a large and dangerous dam.

In principle, you can paddle beyond Poulseur: 4 km further to Esneux, 9 km to Hony, 14 km to Méry, or 16 km to Tilff. Each of these towns has a train station with connections toward Liège or Marloie.

This route is part of a series of station-to-station paddlers along the Ourthe River, between the Nisramont dam and Poulseur. In principle, you can combine any of the various routes mapped along this stretch of more than 100 km. The main obstacle is that you must disembark between Hampteau and Hotton. Except for the starting points at Filly and La Roche-en-Ardenne, all towns along the Ourthe have a train station. There are numerous campgrounds along the way, making the Ourthe ideal for multi-day trips. In principle, you are allowed to continue paddling past Poulseur to the confluence with the Meuse River. However, this last stretch beyond Poulseur is less scenic and has more boat traffic.

Be sure to check navigability, entry points, dams, and obstacles on Kayak Wallonia before you set out. For train departures and arrivals at various stations, visit SNCB. For bus schedules, refer to TEC. Expect an average speed of approximately 5 km/h in low water and 9 km/h in high water conditions.