The best running trails around Tournai

Tournai offers a wide variety of running routes, with over 900 options available. These routes cater to all fitness levels, from easy strolls to challenging runs through diverse landscapes.

Yes, Tournai has a good selection of easy running routes, with 45 trails specifically rated as easy. A great option is the Circuit du Maréchal de Croÿ n°30 in the Plaines de l'Escaut Nature Park, which is an easy 4.6 km (2.9 miles) route. The city's river banks also offer gentle paths.

The terrain around Tournai is quite varied. You'll find flat river paths along the Scheldt, ideal for steady runs, as well as woodland trails in areas like Kluisbos Forest. For those seeking a challenge, the Parc naturel du Pays des Collines and elevated areas like Mont-Saint-Aubert offer hilly landscapes with significant elevation changes.

Absolutely. For runners looking for a vigorous workout, areas like Mont-Saint-Aubert and Mont de l'Enclus provide strenuous routes. The Mont-Saint-Aubert Loop, for instance, is a difficult 24.1 km (15.0 miles) path featuring substantial elevation changes and scenic views.

Yes, many of Tournai's running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Exploring in the Kluisbos route and the Bois de Bon-Secours and Lake Bernissart Loop, both offering diverse landscapes in a loop format.

Tournai's routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical sights. You can run along the picturesque Scheldt River, explore the woodlands of Kluisbos Forest, or discover the diverse landscapes of the Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut. Historic landmarks like the medieval Pont des Trous and the ancient Fort Rouge can also be incorporated into urban runs, as seen on routes like the Ruins in Tournai – Pont des Trous loop.

For families, the gentler paths along the Scheldt River and the well-maintained RAVeL network are excellent choices. These car-free routes offer safe and relatively flat terrain, suitable for all ages. Many parks within Tournai also provide pleasant, easy-going environments for a family run.

Many natural areas and trails around Tournai are suitable for running with dogs, especially in the natural parks and woodlands. It's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash and check local regulations for specific areas, but generally, the region's extensive network of paths welcomes well-behaved dogs.

Tournai is well-connected by public transport, and many routes are accessible from the city center or nearby villages. The extensive RAVeL network, which connects various sites of tourist interest, is particularly accessible via public transport, offering car-free paths through green countryside and villages.

The running routes in Tournai are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average score of 4.3 stars from over 270 reviews. Runners often praise the varied terrain, from tranquil river paths to challenging hilly sections, and the beautiful natural surroundings that make each run unique.

Yes, the RAVeL network (Réseau Autonome de Voies Lentes) is a fantastic resource for runners in Tournai. These car-free paths, often built along disused railway lines and towpaths, are well-maintained, safe, and gently sloping, making them perfect for long, uninterrupted runs through scenic landscapes.

Many routes offer beautiful views, especially those in elevated areas. The Mont-Saint-Aubert area is renowned for its scenic vistas, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Routes along the Scheldt River also offer picturesque waterside scenery.

Absolutely! Tournai's rich history allows for runs that double as sightseeing tours. The 'Historic Heart Circuit Trail' passes along the Scheldt River and by UNESCO sites within the city. You can incorporate landmarks like the Pont des Trous or the city's well-preserved architecture into your urban runs, offering a unique blend of exercise and cultural exploration.