June 11: Long Ardennes Tour Valves

Last updated June 24, 2022: In Brume, the road is closed until June 30, 2023 due to deforestation work (possibly in preparation for the installation of wind turbines). The route has been adapted to this (the ascent of the Côte de Brume is now steeper). Please note any possible changes in the traffic situation during this period.

The track is followed clockwise. From Spa, the track heads east. The first real ascent is the Côte de Cokaifagne. Via Hockai, it goes towards Xhoffraix through a beautiful forest area adjacent to the High Fens. The road from Xhoffraix to Ovifat runs with two climbs because the valleys of the Pouhon and Bayehon streams are crossed. Via the dam of Lake Robbertville, it heads towards Waimes. There, the track passes on the asphalt cycle path on the old railway line in the Amblève valley, up to Malmédy. More information (in German) about this bike path (and photos) can be found on http://bahntrassenradeln.de/bahneur_bel.htm#be045 Then follows the climb of the Côte de Floriheid: do not be discouraged by the 20% sign, because this is only achieved in 1 place, namely in the inside bend of a hairpin bend. Then follows a beautiful descent with panoramic views to Bellevaux. The track then heads towards Stavelot (with a climb before reaching the village of Beaumont). From Stavelot, we head for Wanne and the track crosses a beautiful setting. However, the difficult Wanneranval Coast must be climbed before reaching the village of Wanne: http://www.klimtijd.nl/beklimming/wanneranval. Via a beautiful descent to Trois-Ponts, the track passes through the Côte de Brume (see: https://climbfinder.com/nl/beklimmingen/cote-de-brume ). The descent passes through the main road N66 and takes you into the beautiful valley of Lienne. This valley is followed downstream. The track leaves this valley by the beautiful climb on moderate road surface with 4 hairpin turns of the Côte de Xhierfomont. Via Rahier, the track reaches the Amblève valley and then follows a climb of nearly 10 kilometers long: the Côte du Rosier. What remains is the long and beautiful 6 km descent to Spa.