Becasine rides in Wellin
In collaboration with the provincial All Access service, we would like to inform you that the use of becasine on the proposed trails can be offered to :
- wheelchair users
- people with walking difficulties
- blind people
- visually impaired people
- people with comprehension difficulties
- people with autism
What is a becasin?
This is a touring wheelchair that allows a person to walk along paths in the countryside and in the forest with the help of several companions.
It takes 2 people to move the becasine.
To make it easier, we recommend a team of 4 people.
The becasine can be assembled and dismantled fairly quickly.
It can be transported in most vehicles.
Assembly instructions are given at the time of loan.
The dimensions of the spout when dismantled are as follows:
- bars: 16 x 163 cm.
- main structure: 60 x 90 cm.
The becasine is fitted with all-terrain tyres.
When it has rained or when the roads are muddy, using the becasine can be a little more difficult.
A becasine is available free of charge from the Office du Tourisme in Wellin.
A deposit of €50 is required when you borrow the becasine.
The becasine walks have been identified by the Office du Tourisme de Wellin, the Parc naturel de l’Ardenne méridionale and the provincial All Access service.
They are described on a leaflet that will be given to you when you hire the becasine.
Click here for more information on the accessibility of the Office du Tourisme in Wellin.
It is advisable to book the becasine in advance by calling 084 41 33 59.
If you are calling from abroad, dial 0032 84 41 33 59.
You can send an e-mail to tourisme@wellin.be for information and to request a reservation for the becasine.
Using becasin: useful information
Crew :
- One person steps forward to fire.
- Another person gets in behind to push.
It is also possible for 4 people to push or pull the becasine at the same time.
In this case, to keep the bars at the same height and make it easier to work the arms :
- 2 people of similar height sit at the front.
- 2 people of similar size sit at the back.
Operating the becasine and safety :
There may be various obstacles on the paths.
In this case, position the becasine so that it is perpendicular to the obstacles to maintain balance.
It’s important to communicate well.
The person pushing at the back has a better view of the stability of the becasine.
The person pushing at the rear must warn the person pulling at the front if the boat becomes unbalanced.
When going downhill, it is important to hold back the becasin to slow down its speed.
If the route is on a road or cycle path, you need to be aware of car and bike traffic.
The same applies if the route crosses a road.
Always use pedestrian crossings and pavements.
It is recommended that accompanying adults wear a yellow waistcoat to ensure they are clearly visible.
Depending on the weather, remember to bring a blanket as the person on the becasine may be colder than the walkers.
4 routes in Wellin: useful information
Tour 1: Wellinois heritage
This route starts at the Office du Tourisme in Wellin.
It takes in the village of Wellin and the village of Lomprez.
The route passes through small streets where you can see the limestone buildings (grey-blue in colour).
The route also offers views over the countryside.
Course :
- 3.7 km loop.
- The route is not signposted.
A GPX track is available. - The route starts and finishes on the road.
- The course consists of :
- a path of sufficient width to allow the becasine to pass.
- de pentes raisonnables pour l’utilisation de le becasine.
- going up and down kerbs (pavement/road).
- two major road crossings and one cycle path crossing.
- a few small slopes and ruts on the dirt path.
Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour
Difference in altitude :
- 33 meters
Car park:
- There is a car park with 3 spaces in front of the Office du Tourisme.
- A PRM parking space is located around 50 metres from the Office du Tourisme.
Photos of walk 1
Walk 2: Forest panorama
This trail offers magnificent panoramic views of the forest and surrounding area.
For example: the viewpoint from the belvedere over the Vallée de la Lesse and its tributaries (the Couji, Glan and Wéry streams).
Course :
- 3.3 km round trip.
- The route is not signposted.
A GPX track is available. - The route starts and finishes on the road.
- The course consists of :
- a path of sufficient width to allow the becasine to pass and a stabilised surface (gravel or earth path).
- reasonable slopes for the use of becasine.
- a false flat climb over a certain distance on the return journey.
Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour
Difference in altitude :
- 64 meters
Car park:
- 64 meters
- There are no disabled parking spaces.
Photos of walk 2
Tour 3: Sohier, one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia
This route starts in Sohier.
This village has been awarded the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia’ label.
The walk allows you to observe the village’s architecture. There are, for example, some old farms typical of the Fagne-Famenne region.
The walk also passes close to a wetland and through the countryside.
The views over the Ardennes and the Calestienne are breathtaking.
Other information:
- There is a picnic area with adapted furniture.
Course :
- 4 km loop.
- The route is not signposted.
A GPX track is available. - The route starts and finishes on the road.
- The course consists of
- a path of sufficient width to allow the becasine to pass and a stabilised surface (asphalt, gravel or earth).
- reasonable slopes for the use of becasine.
- a few small overhangs and ruts on the gravel/dirt path.
Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Difference in altitude :
- 43 meters
Car park:
- Next to the presbytery, rue de la place 44, 6920 Wellin.
- There are no disabled parking spaces.
Photos of walk 3
Walk 3: Between forest and bocage
his route offers magnificent views of the Calestienne and its hedged farmland.
You will also be walking through a beautiful deciduous forest.
On the way back, you can see some beautiful houses in the village of Froidlieu.
Other information:
- There is a picnic area with adapted furniture.
Course :
- 5.7 km loop.
- The route is not signposted.
A GPX track is available. - The route starts and finishes on the road.
- The course consists of
- a path of sufficient width for the Becasine to pass.
- a narrower path at the end of the route.
- a few slopes and false flats, but these are still reasonable for using the becasine.
- a stabilised surface (asphalt, gravel or earth).
- stones and roots, as well as a few slopes and ruts.
This makes the first part of the circuit more technical.
Care must therefore be taken to maintain the stability of becasin.
Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Difference in altitude :
- 83 meters
Car park:
- Opposite the church, rue Alphonse Detal, 6920 Wellin.
- There are no disabled parking spaces.
Photos of walk 4
Easy to read and understand
This text is written in easy-to-read and easy-to-understand language.
What is a Bécasine?
- A becasine is an armchair for walking.
- A becasine allows you to walk along country lanes and woodland paths.
- To use the Becasine, 2 to 4 people are needed in addition to the seated person.
- It’s practical because it can be assembled and dismantled quickly.
- A Becasine can be transported in a car.
- The Becasine has all-terrain tyres.
All-terrain tyres are large tyres for use on country lanes and forest roads.
Be careful: when it’s raining or the paths are muddy, it’s harder to use.
Who can use a Becasine?
Who can use a Becasine?
- wheelchair users,
- people with walking difficulties,
- blind or partially-sighted people,
- people with comprehension difficulties,
- people with autism.
Becasine rental
- The becasine is free at the Office du Tourisme de Wellin.
- You have to lend us 50 euros.
We’ll give you the 50 euros back when you bring in the becasin. - To book the becasine, call 084 41 33 59.
If you are calling from outside Belgium, dial 0032 84 41 33 59. - You can send an e-mail to tourisme@wellin.be.
Driving the becasine
- One person pulls at the front and another pushes at the back.
- To make things easier, you can have 4 people.
There will then be 2 people in the front and 2 in the back. - The person in front of the snipe has to tell the person behind the snipe what he or she sees on the road.
- When going downhill, you need to slow down.
- On the road: watch out for cars and bicycles.
- Wear a yellow waistcoat to be clearly visible.
- Tip: bring a blanket for the person sitting down, as they may be cold.
Becasine hiking trail
strong
Walk 1: Wellinois heritage
- Distance: 3.7 km.
- Vertical rise: 33 m.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Departure: Office du Tourisme de Wellin.
- Route: wide paths and short descents.
- Passages sur route.
On doit parfois traverser des grandes routes. - There are a few bumps and holes on the paths.
- Parking: 3 spaces in front of the Office du Tourisme, and a disabled parking area 50 metres away.
Walk 2: Forest panorama
- Distance: 3.3 km (return).
- Ascent/descent: 64 m.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Start: on the road near the Margouyet car park.
- Way: wide paths with gentle slopes,
Small climb on return. - Parking : Parking Margouyet.
- Parking: no reserved parking for the disabled.
Tour 3: Sohier, one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia
- Distance : 4 km.
- Ascent/descent: 43 m.
- Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Start from the village of Sohier.
- Path: wide paths with gentle gradients
- Sometimes there are holes.
- Parking: near the Sohier presbytery
A presbytery is the home of the church priest.
No reserved parking for the disabled. - Other: picnic table with space for wheelchair users.
Walk 4: Between forest and bocage
- Distance : 5,7 km.
- Difference in altitude: 83 m.
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Start: rue Alphonse Detal, Wellin.
- Path: wide paths and other narrow paths.
- There are slopes and sometimes there are roots or stones.
- At the start of the walk, you need to take it easy as there are some bumps along the way.
- Parking: opposite Froidlieu church, no wheelchair parking.
- Other: picnic table with space for wheelchair users