What if I told you that this “mountain” beneath our feet is a testament to human endeavor? This is Terril 110. It is more than just a pile of mining waste. It’s a symbol of a bygone era.
Terril 110 rises from the landscape of Oignies. It offers a stark reminder of the region’s coal mining past. This isn’t a natural hill. It is a man-made mountain. It was created by the accumulation of mining residues. This happened during coal extraction.
In the local dialect, a “terril” is a heap of mining spoil. There are over 340 such terrils in the Bassin Minier. Fifty-one of these are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Terril 110 is one of them.
Once exploited in the 1980s, Terril 110 has been redeveloped. A winding path leads to its summit. As you ascend, consider the journey of the miners. They toiled deep underground. They extracted the coal that fueled France. Now, their legacy shapes the very ground we stand on.
From the top of Terril 110, orientation tables explain the former coal mine’s operation. A display identifies terrils along the horizon. It is a chain of black pyramids. They mark the landscape.
The Syndicat Mixte EDEN 62 owns Terril 110. This means that the site is protected. Access is allowed only on foot. This preserves the site’s natural state.
Terril 110 isn’t the biggest. But it is ideal for hiking. Its height offers views of the Fosse 9-9bis mining complex. It is one of five major mining heritage sites.
This place is more than just a walk. It is a journey through time. Imagine workers traveling these paths. Now people come to hike and reflect.
Surrounding Terril 110 are walking trails. The Sentier du Bois des Hautois is two kilometers. The Sentier du Bois Gosse is two and a half kilometers. The Sentier de Madame Declercq stretches for six and a half kilometers. Each path offers a unique perspective.
The Bois des Hautois is nearby. It was once owned by Madame Declercq. Coal was discovered here in 1842. The département acquired the land in 1983. It became one of the first natural areas in the mining basin.
Terril 110 stands as a testament. It is a monument to the miners. It embodies nature reclaiming industry. It is a place where history and landscape intertwine. As you descend, remember the stories beneath your feet. They echo through the ages. They remind us of the past. They inspire us to shape the future.