Walking On and Around the Berendries

The Berendries in Brakel is a leg killer that scares many cyclists during the Tour of Flanders. This steep slope will also put your muscles to the test. The road descends to the Zwalm Valley, where several nature reserves are protected.

Meandering Zwalm River

The beautiful Zwalm River meanders through the rolling landscape and is surrounded by rich forests and flowery banks. Middenloop Zwalm splits into sub-areas such as Vijfstraten Forest, Vossenhol and Rozenhoek.

Do you want to explore the region at your own pace and experience its most beautiful corners? Discover the most beautiful parts of the Zwalm region with the On and Around the Berendries route.

Walking loops along the Zwalmbeek

The route can be divided into two loops, or you can do it in one go. Together, they amount to about 11 km and offer a lot of beauty along the way.

So, are you one of those people who don’t give up and effortlessly walk for miles as long as you’re having fun along the way? Or would you rather cut the route in half and spread it out over several days to have a good excuse to make a weekend out of it? Whatever you choose, you won’t regret it!

Well then, we’re off!

The route starts with a bit of history at the Church of the Assumption in Sint-Maria-Oudenhove. It dates from 1219 and is Gothic in style, with a large central tower. This walk follows junctions; you complete part of the more than 850 km of continuous hiking trails in the Flemish Ardennes. You'll walk from the Berendries to the Rozenhoek alongside the Zwalmbeek.

Citizens for forests

You pass through the Middenloop Zwalm nature reserve in the Zwalm Valley. It’s a succession of forests with the Zwalm River meandering between them. The small river winds through the valley and is fed by several brooks. The subareas include Vijfstraten Forest, the Vossenhol and Rozenhoek.

All these forests are important for the region; the past has shown this plenty of times. Local residents joined forces to save Vijfstraten Forest - also known as the Ravotterbos - from being cut down. Natuurpunt was able to purchase the forest with the support of Flanders, but mainly thanks to the generous donations of local residents. This piece of beauty is now under European protection.

Fauna and Flora in the Zwalm Valley

In spring, the whole region is in bloom. The colourful bluebells, wood anemones, and wood violets bloom under the large beech and oak trees.

The purple toothwort adds a splash of colour to the flanks. This plant is found almost exclusively in the Flemish Ardennes. It grows on the roots of poplars and willows. It only comes out in spring; during the rest of the year, it lives hidden underground.

Spotting birds and animals

All that flora is a magnet for many animals. Some rare fish, such as the river trout as well as the fire salamander hide here, as does the cute garden dormouse. With its intriguing Zorro mask and fluffy tail, it’s one of the cutest rodents. It loves living in the large deciduous forests of the Flemish Ardennes.

Birds breed around the rivers and streams. The kingfisher and the grey wagtail are present every year!

A touch of history

This route also follows part of the Miners’ Trail. This old railway connected the Flemish Ardennes with the mines in the Borinage at the beginning of the 20th century. The trail leads you along the Zwalm River and the flanks of the valley.

Lilare Castle is another gem. It has been there for centuries and has had many different inhabitants. It’s currently owned by the sisters of Saint Francis of Opbrakel. The gatehouse you'll walk past has been a protected monument since 1980.

Food and drinks

The many outdoor cafés along the route are not hundreds of years old, but they are worth a visit! You can refresh yourself in café The Corner or café ‘t Bierpotje. Beer with a slightly more original twist can be found at the Stappers Alm, which has Austrian roots.

B&B Het Blauwe Huis is the right address if you like to combine your day in the Flemish Ardennes with a full vacation. Het Blauwe Huis is like a canvas on which creative interiors are immortalised. It’s a treat for the eyes! And an oasis of wonderful comfort for everyone, from couples to experienced hikers who want to conquer the leg killers in the area.

Have fun on and around the Berendries

The landscapes of the Flemish Ardennes are full of natural beauty. Descending into the Zwalm Valley equals unwinding in nature. Enjoy lovely views along the way and savour every step on the paths beneath your feet. See you soon on and around the Berendries!