The bluebells of the Hallerbos. A natural wonder
A superb wild flower phenomenon on the doorstep of Brussels.
Country walks
The hills are alive: La-Roche-en-Ardenne
Choosing where to walk in the Ardennes is not easy; there are so many wonderful areas to explore. But if you have never been to the Ardennes before, I would recommend La Roche-en-Ardenne. It’s an excellent place to start getting acquainted with this marvellous area of Belgium.
One advantage of this location is that if you set off from Brussels in gorgeous weather and arrive in La Roche to find it pelting down with rain (which in the Ardennes is quite possible), then you can simply change your plan and visit one or more of the town’s museums: the Milling Museum, the Second World War Museum, the Pottery Museum, or even the Ardennes Ham Museum. The town also has a castle with a ghost, which conveniently appears every evening through the summer (although apparently not if it’s raining).Read More »The hills are alive: La-Roche-en-Ardenne
Heidebos near Moerbeke
Between the villages of Moerbeke and Wachtebeke, a few kilometres to the east of Sint-Niklaas, lies the Heidebos, a large nature reserve incorporating deciduous and coniferous forests as well as a vast expanse of heath land. Three signposted walks start from the car park on Fortstraat; all are ideal for young children.Read More »Heidebos near Moerbeke
The woods around Huldenberg
The 9 km Ijsewandeling starts from the centre of Huldenberg, behind the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe church. You can park on the village square. By public transport, the 344 bus travels conveniently from Schumann to Huldenberg. After your walk you can quench your thirst at the Rochus Taverne on the Gemeenteplein.
Read More »The woods around HuldenbergChipmunks in Brussels
This post has been updated and you can find the new post here. Thanks for visiting and I hope you find the new post helpful… Read More »Chipmunks in Brussels
The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe
First, a word of caution. If you are looking for a gentle Sunday afternoon stroll in a pretty park with a conveniently located waffle-van, then the Verdronken (Drowned) Land of Saeftinghe near Antwerp isn’t for you. It’s muddy, it’s exposed, and there’s no waffle-van for kilometres. But if you are looking for a huge dose of fresh sea air, some peace and solitude, and a touch of wilderness, then it’s definitely worth a visit.
Read More »The Drowned Land of SaeftingheTrail of the unexpected – Rixensart
For me, one enjoyable aspect of walking in the countryside is the possibility of the unexpected. This walk, which starts from the Château de Rixensart,… Read More »Trail of the unexpected – Rixensart
Bourgoyen nature reserve, Gent
If your idea of a wild duck only extends to the mallards floating on the pond in your local park and greedily swallowing your stale… Read More »Bourgoyen nature reserve, Gent
Walking in the Forêt de Soignes
This post on walking in the Forêt de Soignes has been updated and is now here.
Kalmthout Heath, Antwerp
I never thought I would compare the region north of Antwerp to Scotland — until I visited Kalmthout Heath. If you get the chance to… Read More »Kalmthout Heath, Antwerp
Justus Lipsius walk – Overijse
The 9 km Justus Lipsius walk around Overijse is not recommended for young children (or for prams or buggies) but for those who persevere with… Read More »Justus Lipsius walk – Overijse
Breskens (NL) and its lighthouse
Someone asked me recently if I could recommend a walk along a coastal path in Belgium that is free from high-rise apartments and amusement arcades. I began to explain how Breskens fits the bill perfectly — and then realised to my embarrassment that Breskens is actually in The Netherlands, not Belgium. It’s an easy mistake to make if, like me, you forget that the stretch of “Belgium” along the southern bank of the River Schelde is actually part of The Netherlands. Anyway, as it’s so close to Belgium, it’s worth including in Discovering Belgium! So travel to Breskens, park in or nearby the Breskens-Vlissingen ferry terminal, and Go West!