Belgium 2021-07-03 - Ardennes - Packraft Basse Lesse

A trip by packraft in the Belgian Ardennes in the month of July? Rather unheard of in recent years due to drought and warm weather conditions. This year seems to be quite different however, as there is a flow of no less than 20 m3/s on the day I wish to make the classic descent of the river Lesse from Houyet to Anseremme. In fact, earlier in the week there was even a peak flow of 48 m3/s. In comparison: 7 m3/s is considered an acceptable minimum on this river for packrafting.

I put in at 9:30 am on the dot and since I am the first to do so, I have the river to myself. Today’s weather is rather dull with cloudy skies and a high of 22°C. Later in the day, intense downpours are expected, I will therefore try to set a good pace, which is not difficult with today’s current.

As of Gendron, I am joined by the first rental kayaks. Not too many right now, but this may change later in the day.

The river flows through a densely forested, green environment. Most interesting sights along the way are the “Aiguilles de Chaleux” rock formation and the Walzin castle. Below the castle is a barrage that has its normal passage blocked by a tree log. An alternative is therefore to be sought. In fact, there are fallen trees across the river bed in many places today, which is most likely a consequence of severe thunderstorms earlier in the week.

A couple of kilometers before Anseremme is a second barrage with a somewhat spectacular passage (big standing wave). The rental kayaks take an alternative route, but I of course cannot resist.

I arrive in Anseremme at noon after having paddled around 20 km, take out, have something to eat and kill time around the banks of the river Meuse while waiting for the train back to Houyet…

(Gendron: 20 m3/s)