Witry

The forest of Anlier of 5500 ha is one of the largest in Belgium and extends southwest of Martelange. The only clearing is home to four villages: Anlier, Vlessart, Behême and Louftémont. The forest is a remnant of the enormous beech forest that covered the Ardennes in the distant past and in which oaks, hornbeams and the characteristic daphne also grew on the southern coasts. Today's main trees are chestnut, plane trees, hornbeams, oaks, beeches, birches, maples, elms, horse chestnuts, spruces, Scots pines, Japanese larches, false acacias, poplars, walnut trees, meris trees, linden trees and willows. The forest is also home to a treasure trove of shrubs, including hazelnuts, holly, white thorns, mountain ashes and dogwoods.

DISTANCE
Almost 6 km.

TYPE OF ROAD
More than three quarters of the route follows asphalt roads, mainly in the villages of Witry and Traimont and their surroundings. In the crossing of the wood you follow dirt roads alternating roads with base surface, but the difference between the two is not always clearly visible. It can be said that this walk is overall, even with regard to the unevenness, suitable for all hikers, except families with strollers or wheelchairs. After rainy weather the paths will become extremely muddy. It would not be a luxury to put on coautchouc boots or waterproof shoes in such a situation.

MARKUP
Nothingness. Street signposts can help to follow the route correctly.

PARKING
In the immediate vicinity of the neo-Gothic church of Witry, built of brown-gray stone typical of the region.

TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
IGN 65/5-6. Map IGN Léglise, Map of Walks, 1/25.000.

INFORMATION
Tourist Office, Rue du Chaudfour 109, 6860 Léglise
Tel. 063 57 23 52
Fax 063 57 23 51
E-mail: beaulieu@village.uunet.be
Internet: www.communeleglise.be