Ourthe Occidentale

Our western Ourthe

Route description

THE WESTERN OURTHE FROM BERGUÈME TO NISRAMONT Sporty, remote ...

The western Ourthe is a quite technical and challenging stretch, in the heart of the Ardennes massif. The descent is varied and long, without possible stopovers, and leads down to the lake of Nisramont. By the way, you still need to complete this entirely until the exit point.

This route is more intended for experienced and autonomous kayakers. International difficulty level WW II.

ROUTE 20 KM (5 HOURS), OPEN FROM OCTOBER 1 TO MARCH 15, DEPENDING ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE DECREE

The launch takes place in Berguème (Tenneville), on the left bank at the height of the mud and the pedestrian bridge (easy access, no parking, difficult maneuvering). The descent begins in quite a strong current, with tight bends. After about 500 meters, there is a pedestrian bridge that can be a hazard at high water levels: explore this spot first a bit along the road before proceeding! The winding, narrow course then leads you to the bridge of Wyompont, where you will have to land at low water due to the rocks (1.8 km after the starting point). After these first small obstacles, the western Ourthe plunges into the forest and the adventure really begins: low-hanging branches, fallen trees, small waterfalls, and narrow passages give this descent a sporty character. The first major obstacle follows about 6.5 km after Wyompont: the dam of Fraîche-Fontaine, also known as the mill of Vieux-Pont. The steep drop forces you to briefly get out and carry your boat. Best to go over the left bank (please note, this is private land) or alternatively over the dam (a bit tricky due to the many stones and piled-up wood). Behind the dam, the river calms down somewhat but remains winding, and the bed is sometimes covered with tree debris. 3 km after Fraîche-Fontaine, the second obstacle appears: an old rock dam. Here, branches often accumulate, but depending on the conditions, you can usually paddle over it without issues. Otherwise, simply get out briefly and walk a bit along the right bank. The rest of the descent consists of a series of small rocky waterfalls, some of which require a bit more attention: at 1.7 km behind the aforementioned dam and then 3.3 km after the same dam, at the height of 'La Nasse'. Before you take this passage, a little exploration is not an unnecessary effort. The last section leads from the beginning of the lake of Nisramont to about 1 km further to 'La Nasse', behind a wide right bend: here is a dam that you are not allowed to pass, you must carry your boat over the left bank. The exit area is at the end of the lake of Nisramont, on the right bank (4.5 km from the last dam, easy parking 200 m away, maneuvering area).