The best walks and hikes around Lens

Hiking around Lens offers a distinctive landscape shaped by its rich mining heritage. You'll find prominent slag heaps, known as 'terrils,' which are now reclaimed by nature and provide elevated viewpoints with panoramic vistas. Beyond these unique man-made hills, the area also features green spaces, parklands, and trails along canals, offering a blend of natural and historical exploration.

There are over 340 hiking routes available around Lens, catering to various preferences. This includes more than 140 easy trails, 170 moderate routes, and 36 more challenging options for experienced hikers.

Yes, Lens offers many easy hiking options perfect for families or beginners. For instance, The terrils 74 and 74A and the memorial of the côte 70 — loop from Loos-en-Gohelle is an easy 4.1-mile (6.5 km) path that explores notable slag heaps and a historical memorial. Another accessible choice is The terril 107 — loop from Carvin, a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) trail through a former mining landscape.

Yes, many of the trails around Lens are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include The terrils 83 and 94 — loop from Marais de Fouquières, a moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, and The ponds of Wingles — loop from Meurchin, a moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) loop.

The hiking routes in Lens are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1000 reviews. More than 6500 hikers have used komoot to explore Lens's varied terrain, often praising the unique landscapes and the blend of nature with industrial heritage.

Absolutely. The slag heaps (terrils) are the best places for panoramic views. The Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap – Spoil heaps 74 and 74a loop from Loos-en-Gohelle, for example, offers extensive views from its summit, which is one of the highest slag heaps in Europe. These elevated points provide vistas of the surrounding area, sometimes stretching over 40 kilometers.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many of the hiking trails around Lens, especially in natural park areas and on designated paths. It's always recommended to keep them on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all users and to protect local wildlife.

Beyond the iconic slag heaps, you can explore diverse natural features. The region includes extensive parklands like the Parc des Berges de la Souchez, which features 10 kilometers of trails along a canal, ideal for walking through marshes and meadows. You'll also find various ponds and lakes, such as Marsh Pond and Etang de Wingles, offering peaceful natural settings.

Yes, many trails incorporate historical and natural landmarks. The The terrils 74 and 74A and the memorial of the côte 70 — loop from Loos-en-Gohelle includes a significant memorial. You might also encounter former pitheads converted into leisure centers, like Parc de la Glissoire, or explore areas like Marais de la Galance, a notable natural area.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous experience, Lens offers several difficult routes. One such option is the Loos-en-Gohelle slag heap – Spoil heaps 74 and 74a loop from Loos-en-Gohelle, a 5.6-mile (9 km) trail with significant elevation gain, providing a good workout and rewarding views.

The slag heaps are central to hiking in Lens. You can explore them on routes like The terrils 83 and 94 — loop from Marais de Fouquières, which connects two significant slag heaps. The Twin Slag Heaps of Loos-en-Gohelle (Terril 74 and 74a) are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and can be explored via The terrils 74 and 74A and the memorial of the côte 70 — loop from Loos-en-Gohelle.