5 walking routes through nature areas

This walk is for those who love birds, cattle and stunning scenery. Start by boarding the ferry and glide over the Scheldt, as one of the biggest rivers in Flanders. The 8-kilometre trip starts here, through pure landscapes and picturesque places – but above all: past herds of grazing, long-haired and adorable Galloway cattle.

This loop, which starts and ends in Schellebelle, takes you to some amazing places. Can you see where the Sigma Plan has created specific flood plains here? 

Circuit almost complete? Then don't miss warming up at café Den Aard or Scheldebries tavern in Schellebelle, before embarking on your final ferry trip of the day.

As the name implies, this walking route takes you right through the middle of Buggenhout forest. This wondrous woodland area covering a grand total of 190 hectares is the home of natural cathedrals: enormous beech and sessile oak trees that reach proudly for the stars. If you love nature, you will love it here.

Are you coming with the children? Then be sure to check out the play area at Konijnenberg. Among other things, you will find an enormous picnic table in the shade of the oak trees, where you can sit down with the whole family to enjoy your sandwiches. 

Keen to combine nature with some gastronomy? Ar Buggenhout forest you'll find a variety of restaurants. Taverns Het Middelpunt and De Groene Wandeling serve tasty snacks and drinks close to this fabulous forest.

This walking route offers 8 kilometres of fun for the whole family. If you fancy an extra challenge: an additional loop takes you to the nature area Walenhoek in Niel. 

This is once where clay was excavated – the deep holes in the landscape bear silent witness to this history. Nature is now flourishing again. And plants, trees and animals are once again taking hold in the environment . Here you will see a varied landscape with swamps, pools and hay meadows.

The area along the river Rupel is famous for its historic brick making. Boom and Niel were proud forerunners of economic success, in the days when the clay pits and brick factories were still active. The strong communities suffered badly when the industry disappeared. However, the heritage has recently been restored in its honour. You walk past clay dredgers, workmen's houses, brick ovens and the homes of factory managers, which still perfectly embody the spirit of those days.

Along the way you will find some cosy cafés where you can enjoy the appropriate refreshment. Cafés De Koophandel and In Den D'Rupel will welcome you with a smile.

Een steenworp onder Aalst, in Haaltert, vind je natuurgebied Den Dotter – koddige naam, prachtige omgeving. De wandelroute die door dit gebied snijdt, leidt je langs drie authentieke watermolens. Maar liefst 250 hectare natuurgebied ligt voor je uitgespreid, klaar om te ontdekken. Doorheen dat landschap kronkelt de Molenbeek, die een levensader is voor de uitbundige fauna en flora hier.

In de lente ontdek je hier trouwens de Dotterbloem, een gele bloem die goed gedijt op drassige graslanden en die hier natuurlijk overvloedig voorhanden zijn. De zuivere lucht hier zet je longen goed open. Een wandeling door Den Dotter is niet voor niks goed voor je gezondheid. 

Heb je er 9,5 kilometer Dotterplezier opzitten? Klop dan gerust aan bij Café Cabaré in Erpe-Mere voor een lichaams- en hartverwarmend drankje.

Just a stone's throw from Aalst, in Haaltert, you will find nature area Den Dotter – a sweet name for a sweet place. The walking route that cuts through this area guides you past three authentic water mills. No less than 250 hectares of nature area is ready and waiting to be explored. The Molenbeek stream winds through the landscape, bringing life to the exuberant fauna and flora.

Here, in the spring, you will also discover the Dotterbloem or marsh marigold, a yellow flower that is at home in the marshy meadows and therefore found in abundance in this area. The clean air opens your lungs. A walk through Den Dotter does wonders for your health. 

Have you finished your 9.5 kilometres of Dotter delight? Why not pop into Café Cabaré in Erpe-Mere for a drink to warm your heart and soul.

Some great discoveries take a while to find. Kravaal forest was no different. Tucked in between two provinces, it took a while before this place was really noticed. Fortunately, the forest itself did not stand still. It developed a unique ecosystem, with bluebells which steal the limelight in the spring and create a colourful spectacle to take your breath away.

But, that's in the spring, of course. Other seasons are just as lovely for a walk at Kravaal forest. The hilly landscape is charming throughout the year. If you take a good look, you'll notice that the best Belgian tradition starts here in the ground. Do you see that field, just beyond node number 99? It's filled with hops, a crop that grows here like a hedge. These hop are grown for their shoots, a delicious delicacy. Did you know that this region used to be called the hop store of Europe? Nowadays, it's not quantity, but quality that counts.  

Talking of tasty beer: you'll find quite a few to enjoy at Café Bij Stinne, Hof den Tuitelaar or Brasserie ’t Vertier in Meldert.  You can go there for a delicious snack, a hot drink or a shot of something strong. Don't miss out!