The largest lake in Flanders was my destination today.
The Schulensbroek lies close to the E314 as it enters the province of Limburg from the west. There is an excellently signposted 10-km walk around the lake and the surrounding fields, a brasserie at the start/end, and even a village with a café exactly halfway around the circuit. Unfortunately it was a heavily overcast morning, so the photos don’t do the place justice. Here is the map of the route:
You can download it as a PDF here. And the RouteYou GPX track is available here. The walk starts at ‘t Vloot visitor centre. You can begin with a coffee if you want to!
From here the path heads along the shores of the lake:
There are hundreds of ducks, geese and other waterbirds on and around the lake:
I also spotted a kingfisher, reed warblers, reed buntings, stonechats, herons, and heard the weird and incredible song of the grasshopper warbler.
The path then leaves the lake and heads through some peaceful and verdant fields.
You then come to the village of Schulen, with its strange church,
and a do-it-yourself horse-jumping arena.
I think this guy in a neighbouring field had some other kind of sport in mind:
The route then takes you back to the other end of the lake. I believe that the lake is full of fish. How do I know? Well, there are two big clues. One is this board which describes all the different fish you can catch here.
The other is the presence of plenty of fishermen trying to catch them.
If you fancy having a go at catching some dinner yourself, buying a rod and reel combo is a good option. It means you don’t have to figure out what reel is best for your rod and it’s cheaper too!
Finally: Why, I wonder, do you never see fisherwomen? Any ideas … add a comment.
Subscribe to Discovering Belgium to get new posts straight in your inbox:
Even for those who cannot or do not wish to walk, the view from the terrace of Het Vloot is superb; I just love sitting there, enjoying a drink and the scenery 🙂
Great advice Guido!
Looks beautiful, Denzil. As for the fishing… well, some of us prefer a colouring book and a glass of wine! 🙂
The three are not mutually exclusive Wendy! Although I can’t quite see you sitting in a boat with a fishing rod in one hand, a glass of Burgundy in the other, and a colouring book on your lap!
Always drawn to water, Denzil, so I followed you here. 🙂 Expert friends of mine suggest that in poor lighting black and white photography often works well. But I’m no expert…
No fisherwomen? Would a female have time to just sit? 🙂
Good suggestion Jo; I tried B/W once but didn’t think to consider it this time. And as your moniker is “Restless” Jo, I can’t imagine you sitting and staring at the water for ages!
I know a lady who is an avid fisherwoman and has been going fishing since she was a young girl. But seeing as Mr ET is a hopeless fisherman and never catches anything, I find fishing quite dull. I would rather do this lovely walk.