#200626 - Corroy-le-Château, campaign of the 7 fountains and Bothey***

This itinerary corresponds almost exactly to the one proposed by user PASAR. The description is an inspired and enriched version of that circuit (in Dutch).

Start at Saint Lambert church**. The walk begins through some streets of the village punctuated by beautiful old houses, some of which are nicely restored (see photos). A lovely little pathway runs between the gardens. Further on, one can see one of the wind farms that now form an integral part of the landscapes of this region. Passing near the ponds of a fishery. Beautiful dirt path rising in the Bois de Chenémont. We then pass along the edge of the wood on the right and vast agricultural fields on the left. Next, we glimpse the buildings of the imposing Ferme de Chenémont. Then the facilities of the Corroy-le-Château treatment plant. Crossing the bridge over the Orneau, a tributary of the Sambre known for the site of the Spy caves, a few kilometers downstream, where the remains of a Neanderthal man were discovered.

One of the most beautiful parts of the circuit is the path (listed as rue de la Tombale on some maps) that crosses the fields of the Campagne des 7 Fontaines** for 2 km. This path, which rises to over 170 m in altitude, offers a magnificent panorama*** at 360°. It runs along the aerodrome of the small aviation club "les Accros du Servo". Passing by the Sainte-Anne chapel and then by the hamlet of Bothey. We join the main road by a beautiful little path through the fields. This road runs along the wooded estate of the magnificent medieval castle of Corroy-le-Château****. At km 7.2, there is the gate of the castle's main entrance, which is barely visible. If the gate is open, proceed down the access path. The estate is private, but access is allowed if the gate is open. Otherwise, go around the estate via the main road. Turn left before the moat bridge to exit the estate. Returning to the village on your left, the imposing Ferme du Marais can be seen.