One of the biggest problems with the Sambre is that the aqueduct at Vadencourt has been left in poor repair with the threat of collapse, therefore the direct route through the Haute Sambre to France is blocked. This has discouraged most of the boat traffic that used to use the river, since it now is a dead end at Tupigny in France. However, there is a new port at Hautmont attracting some boat custom already and the local dredging has been done so boats can navigate without going aground, so there is good news. For us it is home for now as we have a safe harbour in a rural town of Erquelinnes.

The railway crosses the meandering Sambre multiple times as we head up the river.

Charleroi's industry has its own beauty even if not all of it is in use still. There is still a lot of industry close to the canals still with recycling centres, smelting and bulk cargo movement. We are always impressed with the miles of rusty but active warehouses and conveyor belts.

Our present home river of the Haute Sambre. At times the scenery is as good as anywhere with a very meandering river and tree lined sides. It is a little let down by the towns along the way that are in decline due in part to Europe’s commercial crisis and the lack of traffic along the canal.