Train walk Terrils Borinage: from Hainin to Saint-Ghislain

TRAIN HIKES ALONG THE TAILINGS OF THE BORINAGE

Wallonia has about 1200 tailings: hundreds of smaller ones from the industrial revolution and another 340 large tailings from the 20th century. The signposted GR 412 ‘Sentier des Terrils’ connects all these remnants of Wallonia's mining past, stretching 280 km from Bernissart in the west to Blegny in the east. We highlight the most beautiful parts and turn them into day trips from station to station, usually through agricultural landscapes and nature reserves, sometimes through old industrial zones. Along the way, we climb many tailings and enjoy the stunning panoramas that no other region in Belgium offers.

Info about the GR 412 ‘Sentier des Terrils’: www.tragewegen.be/nieuwsoverzicht/item/599-de-gr412-langs-de-waalse-terrils-een-donker-verleden-krijgt-kleur
Other train hikes along the tailings of the Borinage can be found here: www.routeyou.com/nl/group/view/26850/treinwandelingen

FROM HAININ TO SAINT-GHISLAIN

This day route departs from the unassuming little station of Hainin and quickly leads to the top of the Saint-Antoine tailings, a splendid example that immediately shows how unique this hiking landscape is. In good weather, you can see for many dozens of kilometers in all directions from here.
In the Colfontaine forest, we discover the concrete mining buildings of Sauwartan. Further on, we pass the surreal ruins of the Marcasse mine with its corresponding tailings. Vincent van Gogh lived and preached here; he also descended into the mine.
At the end, the Terril du Sept offers unparalleled views again, after which the route leads past the UNESCO site of Grand Hornu. Around the grand station of Saint-Ghislain, you will find food and drinks in many varieties.

Good footwear is definitely necessary, as the tailings paths can be slippery at times.