Getting a breath of fresh air in autumn Hageland

Broekemwandeling

We immediately park at one of the highlights of the trail: the Castle of Horst, an imposing water castle. The Wagenhuis, the adjacent brasserie, we'll remember for after the hike.

About ten kilometers we have ahead of us and the hiking map on the VISIT Vlaams-Brabant website promises us many unpaved trails. And they keep their promises here: one rural path follows another, and all around us the landscapes surf the Hageland hills. Magnificent!

Just when you think you've seen the best, the Troostember forest beckons in its autumnal suit, more impressive than ever. Our feet stay pleasantly dry thanks to the boardwalk winding its way between the trees. This adventure is followed by a hefty bum and calf workout as we feel the Hageland hills at first hand. The junctions lead us out of the forest, where already some pleasant lanes await us. One is so richly strewn with red and white fly agarics that we expect to see gnomes at any moment. A little later, when we're snugly huddled up on the terrace of the Wagon House spooning down a fresh soup, we feel like big bags of luck with this sparkling start to our weekend getaway.

Stone good mill fare

During the Broekem walk , we walk past a cozy-looking brasserie in a restored water mill: the Gempemolen. Since we are not only avid walkers but also avid foodies, we decide to reserve a table for the evening. Rarely does a meal taste so good as after a brisk autumn walk. Host Hans Meus - brother of that other famous chef - likes to let you taste the local products and hospitality here. Stone good food, without much frills. A place like we like them: no-nonsense, with a focus on good food in an authentic setting.

Gempemolen, Tielt-Winge
Gempemolen.be

B&B Ons Hofke

Is it the soft beds? The silence of the nights? Or are we just tired from the walk? We sleep wonderfully in B&B Ons Hofke in Binkom. In a former pigsty, that is. But one with style and luxury.

B&B Ons Hofke, Binkom
onshofke.be

Nature boost in De Spicht

On day two the weather gods grant us a sunny morning, until about eleven o'clock. A short route is therefore recommended: it will be the orange Spicht walk of less than five kilometers. The walk starts at the church in Lubbeek, with orange symbols in both directions. In which direction do we leave? We consult the online hiking map on the site of VISIT Vlaams-Brabant and decide to take the boardwalk path last. And that turns out to be the best choice: it goes from good to better to best.

Once we leave the center behind, tranquility descends. It's hard to believe we're in green so soon. Well, green... Red, orange and yellow shades dominate, from the soles of our feet to the tips of the trees. In a wink we are in the Calvary Forest, where the colorful song continues. Although we have to do some work here in exchange for all this beauty: it is anything but flat hiking in this small but fine forest. Are you out with young strollers? The play area there is a playground bird's dream!

Nature reserve De Spicht is like the icing on the cake: we are spoiled with narrow paths to finally end up at the XXL plank path. Definitely the longest wooden path we ever walked. In a tunnel of foliage, it winds toward the end of the hike. Before we know it we're back in the center of Lubbeek. A nature boost, indeed!