Thier des Forges

This 50km circuit invites you to discover the Ourthe and Amblève valleys from Sprimont , combining rolling sections with climbs typical of the Ardennes landscape. The Thier des Forges , a highlight of the route, offers a steady ascent through a wooded setting, ideal for cyclists seeking a gradual effort without extreme gradients.

The route starts in Sprimont , heading towards Esneux , which you reach after an initial rolling section through fields. It is in Esneux that you join the banks of the Ourthe , following its meanders along a pleasant and slightly hilly road.

After Esneux, you continue along the valley towards Aywaille , where the route joins the banks of the Amblève . This section takes you into a more enclosed environment, at the foot of the cliffs, offering more winding and shaded passages.

From Aywaille, the route gradually climbs towards the Bois des Fossettes forest before tackling the main ascent of the Thier des Forges , a steady and rhythmic climb. The final stretch unfolds on the heights above Sprimont, with a smooth descent back to the village.

• Length: 2.1 km
• Elevation gain: 126m
• Steepest section: 11.9%
• Average slope: 6%

• Sprimont , starting village and hub of the stone industry
• Esneux , and its charming historic center
• The Ourthe valley , winding between cliffs and meadows
• Aywaille , a lively riverside crossing point
• The Amblève valley , with its varied natural landscapes
• The Bois des Fossettes , a preserved forest massif
• Thier des Forges , a steady and emblematic climb of the route

Thier des Forges owes its name to the old forges located in the valley below. In the past, these forges played a key role in the local economy, processing the ore extracted from the surrounding area.