5 slow down walking routes
Children, work, family, hours in traffic jams, etc. Sometimes we race through life. That’s why it’s good to step on the brakes once in a while. To simply stop, look around you, and let everything come to a standstill. Slow down, relax, and experience things intensely once again. These five ‘Slow Down’ walks will help you switch gears and reconnect with nature.
Today, there are no musts
Unwinding is essential in order to continue – or not – full steam ahead. Beautiful quiet spots, wonderful lookouts and idyllic landscapes lie peacefully next to each other in the Flemish Ardennes.
Here you’ll find the peace you seek or the insight you need. Come alone or in pairs. Just you, good company and a good pair of hiking boots. Cast off your worries for a while, while getting lost in the rich nature around you. Shall we go?
1 Walking between De Helix and Bosberg
An 11.5 km hike through magical forests. Stroll through the vastness of the landscape, step into the quiet area and hear all the noise fade away.
Raspaille Forest, the Bosberg, Dender-Mark Quiet Area, De Helix nature centre... They all help you live more slowly, if only for a moment. And if you want to experience it a bit longer, you’ll even find Slow Cabins where you can spend the night.
An 11.5 km hike through magical forests. Stroll through the vastness of the landscape, step into the quiet area and hear all the noise fade away.
Raspaille Forest, the Bosberg, Dender-Mark Quiet Area, De Helix nature centre... They all help you live more slowly, if only for a moment. And if you want to experience it a bit longer, you’ll even find Slow Cabins where you can spend the night.
2 Quiet walking route - Everbeek
In a southern corner of the Flemish Ardennes, you’ll find forests that have marked the landscape for centuries. Explore remnants of Poodsberg Forest, which is a beautiful walking area where you hear nothing but pure silence.
Continue walking via Steenberg Forest to the banks of Terkleppebeek. Admire the walled d’Harveng Castle and finish in the beautiful Everbeek woods.
In a southern corner of the Flemish Ardennes, you’ll find forests that have marked the landscape for centuries. Explore remnants of Poodsberg Forest, which is a beautiful walking area where you hear nothing but pure silence.
Continue walking via Steenberg Forest to the banks of Terkleppebeek. Admire the walled d’Harveng Castle and finish in the beautiful Everbeek woods.
3 Panorama walking route - Kwaremont
You can slow down without sacrificing a challenge, right? Walk 16 km through beautiful nature, stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. Explore Kwaremont, an artists’ village that blends whimsy with beauty.
Afterwards, you can enjoy the oxygen-rich air in the Spijkerbos and the view from the Hotond – the highest hill in East Flanders. Do you want to spend the night or relax with a beverage? It’s all possible in this gorgeous region.
You can slow down without sacrificing a challenge, right? Walk 16 km through beautiful nature, stunning landscapes and picturesque villages. Explore Kwaremont, an artists’ village that blends whimsy with beauty.
Afterwards, you can enjoy the oxygen-rich air in the Spijkerbos and the view from the Hotond – the highest hill in East Flanders. Do you want to spend the night or relax with a beverage? It’s all possible in this gorgeous region.
4 Wannenlappers walking route - Scheldemeersen
The former willow plantations of Zingem form the backdrop for this heavenly walk. This walk leads you past nature reserves, where rare birds are in command. It also passes windmills, pollard trees and cosy cafés.
While you unwind, learn all about the ‘wannen’ or baskets that used to be made here from bendable willow twigs. These baskets literally separated the wheat from the chaff. Hence the name of the route: wannenlappers were the people who repaired these traditional baskets. Has your curiosity been piqued?
The former willow plantations of Zingem form the backdrop for this heavenly walk. This walk leads you past nature reserves, where rare birds are in command. It also passes windmills, pollard trees and cosy cafés.
While you unwind, learn all about the ‘wannen’ or baskets that used to be made here from bendable willow twigs. These baskets literally separated the wheat from the chaff. Hence the name of the route: wannenlappers were the people who repaired these traditional baskets. Has your curiosity been piqued?
5 Past charming villages walking route - Kaaihoeve
The name of this Slow Down route gives away its intention. You’ll discover the most beautiful villages in the region on a hike of just over 10 km. Dikkele and Beerlegem lay their secrets bare. Visit De Kaaihoeve and Kaaimeersen. Discover Bieze Castle and walk along the stately beech lane that leads to it.
This route is all about cosiness, charm and human warmth. Even the restaurants and cafés on this route will warm your soul in an instant. View all the details of this beautiful walking route here.
The name of this Slow Down route gives away its intention. You’ll discover the most beautiful villages in the region on a hike of just over 10 km. Dikkele and Beerlegem lay their secrets bare. Visit De Kaaihoeve and Kaaimeersen. Discover Bieze Castle and walk along the stately beech lane that leads to it.
This route is all about cosiness, charm and human warmth. Even the restaurants and cafés on this route will warm your soul in an instant. View all the details of this beautiful walking route here.
Time to slow down? En route…
Take your time; don’t be rushed. These walking routes should be savoured and appreciated like a good wine. That’s the only way all the scents, forests, colours and landscapes can be fully appreciated. And you can enjoy a few hours of well-deserved rest.
Walking between De Helix and Bosberg
Walking through Kruislieveheers
Walking among magnificent panoramas
Walking past basket weavers, willow plantations and windmills
Walking past small, charming villages
Child-friendly walking routes
The Flemish Ardennes Challenge
Walking through Kluis Forest
Walking On and Around the Berendries
