In Waterloo, you can climb 226 steps to admire the famous lion, but near the hill, you can also enjoy walking along fields and cobblestone streets. Did it rain? Then put on your boots.

Text and photo Mark Dedapper

In 1815, Napoleon lost the ultimate power struggle on the battlefield south of Waterloo. The hill with the lion, which is actually located in the territory of Eigenbrakel, was established at the initiative of King William I of the United Netherlands. The hill is 45 meters high and can be climbed via 226 steps. At the top stands a 28-ton cast-iron lion. From Plancenoit, where fierce battles also took place at that time, we traverse the gentle landscape around the battlefield. The path will alternate between field paths, cobblestone streets, and hollow ways, with only a short stretch of asphalt here and there. Along the way, we notice a series of memorials as well as large square courtyards that often also played a role in this battle.

The Route

We start at the parking lot on Rue Sainte-Cathérine in Plancenoit. Public transport: Eigenbrakel or Waver train station, then TEC bus no. 36 stop at Rue de l’Eglise – follow Rue Ste-Cathérine towards the church to the parking lot (about 100 meters). With your face towards the church, turn right and immediately behind the church take the steep path to the left. At the fork, turn left, and at the next fork, turn right (Sentier de la Ferme Prévinaire). Turn left at the gravel road and at the next T-junction, turn right. You leave the main road to the left onto a narrower field path at a bike junction sign. It can be quite muddy in wet weather. At the T-junction with cobblestones, turn left. At the T-junction with the large white house, turn right onto cobblestones. At the next fork, take the steep cobblestone path to the left (Chemin de l’Alouette). At an X with a chapel, turn sharply left – to your right is the Waterloo golf course. After 250 meters on the field path, turn right (Chemin de la Paille). At the fork, turn sharply left. At the X, turn right – Point A on the map. // Here you can shorten the hike by 5 km: at Point A continue straight, following the beautiful gently sloping hollow way (Chemin des Catamouriaux). Turn right at the cobblestone street. Turn right at the asphalt road and at the intersection with the chapel and historic courtyard, turn left. At the fork (Point B on the map) go straight.// Passing the buildings of a former monastery (3), we reach a T-junction with a wider cobblestone road – turn right. Carefully cross the highway (N5) (traffic lights). You now enter the historic area of the lion of Waterloo. At the foot of the hill and at the building with 'Panorama', turn left (Chemin des Vertes Bornes). At the information board, turn left onto the field path (Chemin de Plancenoit). 1.5 km further, we cross the N5 again (zebra crossing) and walk straight for a short distance (asphalt). After about 30 meters at the bus stop, turn left onto the field path (Rue du Smohain). Follow this for almost 2 km. At the fork of the hollow ways, turn right – Point B on the map.

At the X, follow Chemin de Plancenoit for 1.5 km. Passing the Prussian monument (5) at the Plancenoit sign (roundabout), turn left. You will reach the center and descend to Rue Sainte-Cathérine, where you will find your car. 100 meters further, you will arrive at the bus stop.