3 WALKING TIPS:
1. Koebos walk in Lubbeek
The Koebos is beautiful all year round, but in autumn it takes on an extra touch of colour and mystery. The falling leaves reveal the many mistletoe branches in the trees, and the prehistoric giant horsetails reach their greatest height. The walk begins in the park of UZ Leuven’s Pellenberg campus, with its monumental trees and the beautiful Kasteel de Maurissens. From there, the stately greenery gives way to the mysterious Koebos in the valley of the Molenbeek.
A particular highlight is the giant horsetail, a‘living fossil’ that has existed for some 270 million years. In spring, this plant can grow to a height of almost two metres. The walk offers plenty of variety: from sunken paths and woodlands to open fields and rolling countryside. In the Gasthuisbos, dead trees give rise to new life and a rich ecosystem. After just over eleven kilometres, the walk ends back at Pellenberg Park. A varied route full of nature, history and unusual plants.
2. Kruisborre Walk in Asse
It’s hard to believe you’re just a stone’s throw from Brussels. This walk takes you through rolling countryside, past centuries-old wayside chapels and crucifixes that recall the pilgrimage tradition of the Kruisborre procession.
Via the leafy Boekfos, you leave the town centre and walk through copses and past ever-widening panoramic views. Amidst the hills, the white Kruisborre Chapel, dating from 1622, comes into view with its elegant little bell tower. This is followed by various chapels and crucifixes, silent witnesses to the pilgrims who came here seeking protection and healing.
A grim legend is associated with the pilgrimage. It is said that a woman once hid a consecrated host in a half-dead alder bush. The tree began to grow and blossom once more. When a farmer tried to chop it down, the wood splinters are said to have fallen to the ground in the shape of a cross, with a few drops of blood.
Via Asbeek, you walk once more through the green, rolling countryside to the Market Square in Asse. There you’ll find the Hopduvel, a bronze statue commemorating the former hop-growing industry and which, according to legend, destroyed the hop fields during storms.
3. Rolling through the woods in Oud-Heverlee
Fancy experiencing autumn in the Meerdaalwoud, but on wheels? You can! This accessible route takes you along wide, flat paths through the colourful woods of Meerdaalwoud and Heverleebos. No mud or tricky tree roots, just plenty of peace and quiet, the scents of autumn and stunning views.
The walk starts at the De Torenvalk welcome gate, where an impressive wooden bird of prey by artist Ad Wouters watches over the woods. From the tower, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the vast expanse of the forest. Children can let off steam in the play forest and on the multi-activity trail.
The route winds gently between stately beech and oak trees, along wide paths and past open spaces. Along the way, you’ll pass a former military detonation zone. Until 1976, old munitions were safely detonated here. Today, nature has reclaimed the area with heathland, young copses and rare plants. You can admire this unique landscape from an observation point.
The best thing about this walk? Everyone can join in: from children on balance bikes and parents with pushchairs to grandparents and wheelchair users. That way, everyone can enjoy the autumn splendour of the Brabantse Wouden together.
Even deeper into autumn?
Kapbos walk, Tervuren – 7.1 km
Dead straight forest lanes and the picturesque sunken Wolvenweg.
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The Great Oak Walk, Bierbeek – 12.7 km
Impressive centuries-old oaks in the Mollendaalbos.
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Pauwel Walk, Pajottegem – 8.9 km
Climb the iconic Bosberg with beautiful panoramic views over the Mark and Dender valleys.
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Floordambos Walk, Steenokkerzeel – 5.9 km
A surprisingly peaceful old woodland close to Brussels Airport.
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Laar Walk, Landen – 11.7 km
Walk along the spectacular sunken road Via de Longa, with banks up to ten metres high.
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