3 walks past picturesque villages
It’s like stepping into a postcard! Numerous villages in the Flemish Ardennes with atmospheric squares are very charming. No big chain shops, giant supermarkets or sky-high apartment buildings – authenticity is the key word here. Local hotels, restaurants and cafés, traditional pubs and menus filled with delicious regional products are king here. Every municipality, village or hamlet – no matter how small – has a surprising attraction or landmark. In Lierde, for example, you can visit an imposing Carthusian priory (another name for a monastery). Dikkele, a municipality of Zwalm, is distinguished by its narrow cobblestone streets where you can stroll. And the village of Roborst is the setting of a beautiful church and a castle wall from times long past. The destinations where you least expect it often provide the most unforgettable experiences. And there are plenty of such destinations in the Flemish Ardennes.
What is the best way to discover all these picturesque places? Put on your hiking boots and take it all in. That way, no detail is lost, and you can fully experience the atmosphere of the villages. It’s also the best way to clear your head and burn some calories at the same time. Being sporty and relaxing – it’s all possible. In each municipality, multiple routes take you past several atmospheric hamlets. Don’t forget to bring a picnic! You’ll pass many benches in unique locations that invite you to take a break along the way. We have selected three routes that will not disappoint.
Rooigemsebeek walking route
This hike starts in Mullem, a tiny municipality of Oudenaarde. When you walk into this village, it feels like you have been catapulted back to a carefree past. The authentic yellow houses and buildings instantly give you a warm and nostalgic feeling. The centre of the village is listed and consists of a church, presbytery, manor house or motte (small castle among the trees), schoolhouse (now a restaurant), monastery and a farmstead. At the top is the castle of the Lords of Ast, hidden behind walls and trees. This family is known for the South Pole expeditions undertaken by Adriën and Gaston de Gerlache.
The Rooigemsebeek walking route is 13 km long but can be shortened to 3 or 6 km so that the whole family can join in the fun. The first signpost is at the beautiful St Hilarius Church, where you can enjoy a delightful view of the listed village centre. As the name suggests, you follow the current of the Rooigemsebeek – a lovely stream. On your journey, you might imagine yourself in the Middle Ages. The Ghellinck d’Elseghem Castle, for example, makes you dream of a life at court. And we have not even mentioned the charming windmills you come across along the way. They are as lovely and picturesque as their name suggests. In the village of Wannegem, the Schietsjampettermolen glistens in the landscape. Things did not go smoothly when the structure was moved from Zuienkerke in West Flanders to the Flemish Ardennes in 1981. During the dismantling, a local constable (also known as the ‘sjampetter’) used a firearm to prevent the mill from being loaded onto the moving vehicle. Hence the name ‘Schietsjampetter’ (or shoot constable). If you climb to the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view. With a bit of luck, you can even spot the towers of Ghent.
Would you like to alternate walking with another activity? At Valleihoeve in the village of Huise, you can enjoy a game of farmer’s golf. Armed with some sticks and a ball, you follow a challenging course in the fields. Afterwards, you can fill your hungry stomach with all kinds of tasty treats in the snack bar or enjoy a refreshing ice cream on the patio. You can also load your rucksack with farm products offered for sale. Then you head back to Mullem, the place where it all began. Here you can taste delicious regional products and tasty dishes in the local restaurants and cafés. Restaurant In De Kroon, for example, is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Do you want to discover Mullem’s listed village centre and the charming villages in the area?
This hike starts in Mullem, a tiny municipality of Oudenaarde. When you walk into this village, it feels like you have been catapulted back to a carefree past. The authentic yellow houses and buildings instantly give you a warm and nostalgic feeling. The centre of the village is listed and consists of a church, presbytery, manor house or motte (small castle among the trees), schoolhouse (now a restaurant), monastery and a farmstead. At the top is the castle of the Lords of Ast, hidden behind walls and trees. This family is known for the South Pole expeditions undertaken by Adriën and Gaston de Gerlache.
The Rooigemsebeek walking route is 13 km long but can be shortened to 3 or 6 km so that the whole family can join in the fun. The first signpost is at the beautiful St Hilarius Church, where you can enjoy a delightful view of the listed village centre. As the name suggests, you follow the current of the Rooigemsebeek – a lovely stream. On your journey, you might imagine yourself in the Middle Ages. The Ghellinck d’Elseghem Castle, for example, makes you dream of a life at court. And we have not even mentioned the charming windmills you come across along the way. They are as lovely and picturesque as their name suggests. In the village of Wannegem, the Schietsjampettermolen glistens in the landscape. Things did not go smoothly when the structure was moved from Zuienkerke in West Flanders to the Flemish Ardennes in 1981. During the dismantling, a local constable (also known as the ‘sjampetter’) used a firearm to prevent the mill from being loaded onto the moving vehicle. Hence the name ‘Schietsjampetter’ (or shoot constable). If you climb to the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view. With a bit of luck, you can even spot the towers of Ghent.
Would you like to alternate walking with another activity? At Valleihoeve in the village of Huise, you can enjoy a game of farmer’s golf. Armed with some sticks and a ball, you follow a challenging course in the fields. Afterwards, you can fill your hungry stomach with all kinds of tasty treats in the snack bar or enjoy a refreshing ice cream on the patio. You can also load your rucksack with farm products offered for sale. Then you head back to Mullem, the place where it all began. Here you can taste delicious regional products and tasty dishes in the local restaurants and cafés. Restaurant In De Kroon, for example, is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
Do you want to discover Mullem’s listed village centre and the charming villages in the area?
Past Charming Villages walking route
With a name like that, the charming village squares and cosy eateries along this route will inevitably melt your heart. It’s an 11 km hike that starts in Zwalm, a municipality that consists of 12 separate villages. But as we said above, even the smallest hamlets have a lot to offer. Beerlegem, for example, is home to Ten Bieze Castle, which majestically overlooks a centuries-old beech lane.
It’s a lie that you cannot learn anything on a leisurely walk. De Kaaihoeve, a centre for environmental and nature education, is definitely worth a stop. An interesting package of educational activities and materials has been put together for each target group. You will discover activity areas for children, interesting bird cabinets and an extensive nature library in the building. In the garden, you can become one with the green surroundings and go exploring on the barefoot path. Kaaimeersen, an enchanting nature reserve bursting with beautiful bird species, is next to the building.
The best way to catch your breath after a walk is with a snack and a drink. In De Klokke in Beerlegem, you can even enjoy a Walking Route menu. From starter to dessert, every dish is finished to perfection.
Ready to discover the cosy villages of Zwalm with your own eyes?
With a name like that, the charming village squares and cosy eateries along this route will inevitably melt your heart. It’s an 11 km hike that starts in Zwalm, a municipality that consists of 12 separate villages. But as we said above, even the smallest hamlets have a lot to offer. Beerlegem, for example, is home to Ten Bieze Castle, which majestically overlooks a centuries-old beech lane.
It’s a lie that you cannot learn anything on a leisurely walk. De Kaaihoeve, a centre for environmental and nature education, is definitely worth a stop. An interesting package of educational activities and materials has been put together for each target group. You will discover activity areas for children, interesting bird cabinets and an extensive nature library in the building. In the garden, you can become one with the green surroundings and go exploring on the barefoot path. Kaaimeersen, an enchanting nature reserve bursting with beautiful bird species, is next to the building.
The best way to catch your breath after a walk is with a snack and a drink. In De Klokke in Beerlegem, you can even enjoy a Walking Route menu. From starter to dessert, every dish is finished to perfection.
Ready to discover the cosy villages of Zwalm with your own eyes?
Around the Haaghoek walking route
The cobblestones of the Haaghoek have seen a lot of blood, sweat and tears in recent decades. The cobbled section is a permanent feature in many spring classic cycle races. If you would like to follow in the footsteps of famous cyclists like Philippe Gilbert and Tom Boonen, you can bring your bike along and have your family or friends cheer you on. But the region around this famous cobbled section also has a lot to offer those who prefer less strenuous activities. The Around the Haaghoek walking route takes you past the charming villages around this iconic spot.
The start of this 11 km hike is the Church of the Assumption in Sint-Maria-Horebeke. Then it goes almost straight to St Cornelis’ Church in Sint-Kornelis-Horebeke. And this via a quiet path between fields and meadows. Barely 500 people live in this hamlet, but that does not mean it is not worth stopping there. The white houses create a unique and cosy atmosphere.
It is best to wear sturdy hiking boots on this route. Every now and then it rises steeply, for example when climbing the Pottenberg. But you won’t regret the effort. At the top, Perlinckmolen overlooks the region majestically.
Are you ready to discover the beautiful churches and green hills in the Flemish Ardennes?
The cobblestones of the Haaghoek have seen a lot of blood, sweat and tears in recent decades. The cobbled section is a permanent feature in many spring classic cycle races. If you would like to follow in the footsteps of famous cyclists like Philippe Gilbert and Tom Boonen, you can bring your bike along and have your family or friends cheer you on. But the region around this famous cobbled section also has a lot to offer those who prefer less strenuous activities. The Around the Haaghoek walking route takes you past the charming villages around this iconic spot.
The start of this 11 km hike is the Church of the Assumption in Sint-Maria-Horebeke. Then it goes almost straight to St Cornelis’ Church in Sint-Kornelis-Horebeke. And this via a quiet path between fields and meadows. Barely 500 people live in this hamlet, but that does not mean it is not worth stopping there. The white houses create a unique and cosy atmosphere.
It is best to wear sturdy hiking boots on this route. Every now and then it rises steeply, for example when climbing the Pottenberg. But you won’t regret the effort. At the top, Perlinckmolen overlooks the region majestically.
Are you ready to discover the beautiful churches and green hills in the Flemish Ardennes?
WALKS IN NATURE
Do you prefer to walk in nature?
The possibilities are endless in this region. The magical Raspaille Forest, on the flanks of the Bosberg, has five mapped out routes, good for 20 km of walking pleasure. Unspoilt nature can be found in Kluis Forest in Kluisbergen, where part of the forest is a nature reserve without human intervention. In spring, you will be overwhelmed by the blue-purple natural beauty of the bluebells in various locations. It is a phenomenon you must see with your own eyes at least once in your lifetime. And one that will make your followers on social media jealous. Check out the 11 km Muziekbos route, which takes you past countless stunning views. The region also has several nature reserves and wildlife areas where it is wonderfully quiet. You are immersed in a unique atmosphere in the Burreken in Brakel, with its varied landscape of hills and valleys. Buggy-friendly walking paths can be found in Provincial Domain De Gavers in Geraardsbergen. This domain offers a wide range of activities for young and old: from kayaking to laser games and miniature golf.
Would you like to recuperate in comfort after all that walking? The Flemish Ardennes have lots of diverse and original places to stay, from cosy B&Bs to holiday homes for the whole family. If you do not return home feeling zen after this, we do not know what to say.
Walking along the Rooigemsebeek
Walking past small, charming villages
Walking around the Haaghoek
Walking through Kordaal Forest
Walking between De Helix and Bosberg
Walking past Gavers and Nuchten
The 3 most beautiful forests
