Will-o'-the-wisp Route

Today, you will outdo yourself: hike the beautiful will-o'-the-wisp walking route in one go or in several stages, you choose. Go to St Peter’s Church in Schorisse, where the mapped out walking route awaits you. During the next 16.6 km you’ll discover this picturesque region while putting your leg muscles to the test on unpaved roads. Beware, this walk is challenging!

Onward, into Brakel Forest!

First activity: crossing the language border and entering Brakel Forest. Almost immediately, you walk into the majestic forest on the flank of Mont de Rhode (or Modderode). The 52 ha forest is primarily made up of gigantic beech trees that impressively stand guard.

The Sassegembeek stream also runs through here. If you follow it, you’ll arrive in picturesque Zwalm. But that’s for another time because now we’re quickly heading into the forest!

Discover Brakel Forest! 

A view (and a cave) that will make you fall silent

The walking route leads you to Chapelle Saint-Christophe, located at the highest point of La Houppe/D’Hoppe. This little chapel was built in 1913 and is full of warm charm.

A little further on, just beyond the Pottelberg, you’ll find a grotto built in honour of the 80th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. If the journey gets a little too strenuous, you can pray for extra strength here.

A forest made for walking

Have you regained some strength? Then you’re ready for the stage that runs through Bos ter Rijst. This elongated strip of forest is completely surrounded by a footpath. It used to be part of the Bois du Roi (the King’s Forest), which stretched across the whole area. A densely wooded forest that unfortunately thinned out over the centuries.

Bos ter Rijst is still more than worth your time. You’ll discover numerous springs, benches where you can rest and idyllic picnic spots where you can enjoy yourself with the whole family.

Schorisse: Also not to be missed

Look, you can see Schorisse in the distance! You’ll recognise the beautiful village by the footpath along the Maarkebeek, which you are walking on now. The moated castle of the Lords of Schorisse used to stand here. Be sure to check out the old, listed – and still operating – watermill that still graces the landscape. It used to be a crucial part of the now defunct castle.

Orangery at De Amberhoeve

You’ll probably smell the aroma of freshly baked cakes on the last kilometre of your journey. Why? Because De Amberhoeve, a unique B&B, orangery and shop, is just down the road. They serve homemade cakes, tasty local beers, original soft drinks and tasty tapas. You can even enjoy a concert or high tea now and then. There’s a lovely garden with views of the beautiful Flemish Ardennes.

The hospitable owners have decorated De Amberhoeve in a surprisingly romantic way. Would you like to enjoy the region and the local cafés and restaurants a little longer? Then book the Rose Room or Hortensia in De Amberhoeve’s B&B!

Food and lodgings in the region

A little further on, you can wander around the lively centre of La Houppe. Here you’ll find a nice selection of cafés and restaurants to satisfy your hunger. Tasty snacks and surprising regional dishes? They taste best with a Quintine, the local beer.

After that long walk, get a good night’s sleep. You and the whole family (max. 24 people) can enjoy a stylish overnight stay in complete privacy at ‘t Bosgat holiday home in Schorisse. Your own home in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes – does it get any better than that?