This is Mireille’s favourite walk! As you walk, you’ll experience the trinity that makes our region unique: agriculture, industry and nature. During this walk, you can see a tractor working in the fields, as well as the port’s containers, alongside the wild horses and birds in the nature reserve.
Features of this walk
- Distance 11.9 km
- 2 hours 25 minutes
- 61% paved (according to Routen) The Vingerlingenpad was paved last year, making this section accessible to people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs. So I now estimate 75% is paved.
Start at the church in Kieldrecht, park on the church square.
This walk is certainly suitable for anyone who can manage the distance physically.
The route step by step
Part 1, setting off from the church in Kieldrecht
Facing the church entrance, walk to the right, towards the road to Verrebroek. Cross the church square and walk past the houses towards junction 2. You will walk past the Grote Geule, also known as the Kieldrechtse Kreek. Just past the Grote Geule, you will see the boathouse. There, you can observe everything happening on the Kieldrechtse Kreek through a bird-watching wall. A nature visitor centre is currently being built there too. You must be careful when crossing the road there to continue walking towards junction 2.
Part 2, a rest stop or bench
Near junction 2, there is a rest and viewing point shaped like the letter W, standing for ‘wandelen’ (walking) and ‘Waasland’.
Part 3, the best view
Between junctions 31 and 30, you walk along the Koningsdijk, right on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. The dyke is flanked by rows of trees, and to the left and right you can look out over the fields. Can you spot the flag marking the site of the former Spinola Fort?
Part 4, back towards Kerkplein
Just before the final junction, 33, before heading back towards Kerkplein, you can enjoy a tasty treat at Brasserie Brisée. They are open from Thursday to Sunday.
Why this is Mireille’s favourite walk
What makes this walk so fascinating for me are the many views along the way. One moment the fields, the next the De Grote Geule nature reserve and the Drijdijk, and the Waaslandhaven, which is never far away. There are a few long, straight stretches along the walk, but for me that’s a chance to ‘push on’ for a bit whilst enjoying the views.
Don’t forget your binoculars, as there are plenty of birds to spot here!
Practical information and alternatives
You can park on Kerkplein in Kieldrecht
At the end of the walk, there are a few small cafés in Nieuw-Namen and Kieldrecht, but these are not open every day. You won’t come across any places to eat along the way, so it’s best to bring something with you for the walk.
Brasserie Brisée or restaurant De Grote Geule are great places to eat
You can download a map of the walk from routen.be.
Arenberghoeve is our guesthouse in Kieldrecht. If you stay with us, we’ll be sure to give you a map of this walk, and we’ll be happy to help you on your way with even more tips for exploring the nearby polders and creeks.
Take a look at our guest rooms or book your stay now!