The Best Family-Friendly Walks Around Malmedy

The Easiest Starting Point

Xhoffraix En Famille

For younger children, pushchairs and a first day out in the Ardennes, MDY04 Xhoffraix en famille is the obvious place to begin. The official Malmedy route is 3.4 km long, with only 9 metres of positive elevation. It starts in Xhoffraix and is described as a very easy family walk through the village and surrounding countryside.

The route is also marked as accessible with a pushchair, which makes it a practical choice when the whole family needs to stay together. It is short enough to fit around nap times, lunch or an afternoon activity, yet still gives children the sense of having had a real walk in the Ardennes.

View the official route details, map and downloadable information on the Malmedy Tourism website before setting off.

Town Meets Countryside

Le Tour Du RAVeL

If your family would enjoy a little more distance without committing to a demanding hike, MDY05 Le Tour du RAVeL is a strong option. This 6.6 km route starts near Malmedy’s former railway station and heads towards Val d’Arimont, combining town and rural surroundings in one outing.

The official route is classified as very easy for walking and is suitable for families, occasional walkers and older visitors. It has 120 metres of positive elevation, so it is worth allowing more time than the distance alone suggests. Treat it as a half-day plan rather than a quick loop, with a drink, snack and plenty of time for children to look around.

It is a useful choice for families staying close to town who would like a change of scene without driving far into the countryside.

A Short Walk With A View

La Croix De Chôdes

MDY23 La Croix de Chôdes is another accessible family option, particularly for groups looking for a route with a little more variety. This 4.5 km walk begins at Chôdes church and heads towards the Livremont hill, where the route includes views towards Malmedy and the local puddingstone path.

Malmedy Tourism identifies the walk as very easy, family-friendly and suitable for pushchairs. The route is also listed for occasional walkers, so it works well when grandparents, young children and confident walkers all need a route that feels manageable.

For Open Fens Scenery

La Fagne De La Poleur

Families who want to experience the open landscapes of the High Fens can consider MDY07 La Fagne de la Poleur. The signposted route is 3.4 km, with 45 metres of positive elevation, and starts around Mont Rigi, Baraque Michel and the Signal de Botrange area.

This is a lovely option for families with children who are comfortable walking on natural terrain. The scenery feels very different from a village route, which is part of the appeal, but conditions in the Fens can change quickly. In cooler months, take an extra layer; after rain, choose footwear that can cope with wet or uneven ground.

Plan For A Good Day Out

Six Simple Things To Do Before You Leave

1. Choose a route based on your youngest walker, not the strongest adult in the group.
2. Check the official route page for the latest map, GPX file, practical information and any alerts.
3. Take water and snacks, even for a short walk. A pause often makes all the difference with children.
4. Pack an extra layer and waterproofs. Ardennes weather can feel different once you are out on an exposed route.
5. Use suitable footwear. Trainers may be enough on a dry, easy village walk, but uneven or wet natural paths call for more grip.
6. Check Malmedy Tourism’s hunting calendar and local conditions before choosing a forest route.

Malmedy Tourism offers downloadable route information and a map of signposted walks, which is the best starting point when you are deciding what suits your family on the day. You can explore the wider selection on their signposted walks page.

Make The Walk Part Of The Stay

Room To Come Back And Relax