The Hotton Arboretum

For the first geosite on your route, head for the arboretum in Hotton’s municipal park, and its observation tower. The park lies on the left bank of the Ourthe, on the outskirts of the village of Hotton. This wooded area is home to a variety of different tree species, plus a picnic area. Unless you suffer from vertigo, climbing the 7 metre spiral staircase in the middle of the park tower is an experience not to be missed. Ideally positioned on the last remaining limestone beds of the Calestienne, the tower looks down over the Ourthe Valley and the Famenne. The vantage point from the top of the tower is one of the highest to be found in the Calestienne and offers wonderful views, not only of the villages of Hotton and Melreux but also of the Famenne depression and the Condroz (in the distance).