Bikepacking around Liège: the best routes to discover by bike

Line 38 in Plombières on the RAVeL

⏱️ 1 to 2 days

↔️ 50 km - Elevation gain 345m

🚴 Beginner level

A perfect trip to get started with bikepacking without pushing yourself too hard. You'll follow the old railway line, transformed into a RAVeL, passing through orchards, fields, and peaceful small villages.

Why we love it:

• Peaceful journey, with zero cars.
• Relaxed atmosphere among orchards, small villages, and endless fields.
• Very accessible route, perfect for a first overnight trip.

Muule tip:

Equip yourself with a Top Tube bag to keep essentials within reach (snacks, water bottle, emergency comforter), and a men's technical t-shirt or women's technical t-shirt that wicks away sweat and dries quickly. No need to pack heavily for your first outing.

The Ourthe unfettered

⏱️ 2 days

↔️ 65 km - 400m elevation gain

🚴 Accessible level

A bucolic getaway along the Ourthe Valley, between forests, cliffs and stone villages. Relax without breaking too much of a sweat, with just enough incline to earn your evening beer.

Highlights:

• Gourmet break in Comblain-au-Pont or Esneux.
• Wild swimming (if you're the type to dive in).
• Possibility of bivouac or staying in a gîte "Bienvenue Vélo".

Muule's little tips:

Opt for a men's cycling shorts or women's cycling shorts to pamper your backside, an insulated water bottle to keep your coffee hot (or rosé chilled, to each their own priorities) and a headlamp, an essential
for bivouacking.

Gravel and fir trees towards Banneux

⏱️ 1 day

↔️ 85 km - Elevation gain 950m

🚴 Moderate level

A slightly denser loop that takes you straight to Banneux, Remouchamps and the wooded heights. Country roads, a bit of gravel and landscapes worth seeing.

Why go there:

• Climbs that make your legs burn, but also beautiful descents.
• Mix of forests, valleys, and quiet country roads.
• Camping or bivouac possible in the vicinity of Aywaille (or further towards Gospinal).
  

Muule's little tips:

Bring a compact stove and a freeze-dried meal for a quality bivouac. Don't leave without a compressible down jacket for men or women for cool evenings, a warm sleeping bag, and then pack it all into a handlebar bag.

Bikepacking adventure with Ortlieb

⏱️ 1 to 2 days

↔️ 52 km - Elevation gain 600m

🚴 Moderate level

A route designed by Ortlieb, the German brand of 100% waterproof panniers. This loop starting from Liège alternates gravel paths, small wooded roads, and gentle hills, for a hassle-free but stylish bikepacking weekend.

Why it's a gem :

• Varied and fluid route, for an enjoyable ride.
• Superb panorama over the heights of Liège.
• Bike-friendly accommodations along the route.

Muule's little tip :

Opt for Ortlieb panniers, which are waterproof and ultra-resistant, ideal when the weather acts up. Take a pair of cycling shorts to prevent chafing and a waterproof jacket to stay dry.

The hills of Liège

⏱️ 2 to 3 days

↔️ 129 km - Elevation gain 2000m

🚴 Difficult level

This is serious business. Expect significant elevation changes, punchy climbs , fast descents , and some rough gravel riding . After the effort comes the reward: a breathtaking view of Liège . The ultimate loop for hardcore bikepacking enthusiasts.

Why we love it (and dread it) :

• Hills that will wake up even the most enduring.
• Landscapes worth every drop of sweat.
• A perfect route to challenge yourself and refine your bikepacking setup .

Quick tip from Mule :

Equip yourself with cycling gloves to maintain control on descents and avoid exploding palms after 5 hours of gravel riding, and a light and ventilated helmet , because there are climbs and descents, and you need to keep a cool head .