Between windmills and watermills walking route
Between windmills and watermills walking route
This walk takes you from windmills to water mills in Flanders' Most Beautiful Landscape. Set off on a 9.5 km hike in the Zwalm valley, or make a shorter circuit and go from checkpoint 58 straight to 57.
Starting point Sint-Blasius-Boekel church
The name of this municipality is likely derived from Bock-lo, beukelo (or beech forest), beukel, before it eventually became Boekel. The church was first dedicated to St. Bavo and the village was called Sint-Baafs-Boekel. St. Blaise subsequently became the patron saint and the village was renamed St. Blasius-Boekel.
Saint Blaise belongs to the group of the 14 Holy Helpers. He is invoked against the ills of the throat and bad weather, and is known as the patron saint of doctors, wool merchants, wax candle makers and wind musicians, among others. We often see him depicted in Eastern icons: blessing animals, in captivity, as well as while healing a boy who is in danger of choking on a bone.
Node 56 Hof ter Cleye
At node 56, turn left and you end up on the Rijkekleie. This is where you'll find Hof ter Cleye, a mid-19th-century residence that was converted into a farmhouse, smithy and café in the second quarter of the 20th century. Further down the street, you can enjoy a nice look-out point.
Node 53 De Malderghemmolen
Turn left at checkpoint 53. You'll leave the trail for a moment, for a little descent. There you'll find the Malderghemmolen, a water mill with a top wheel on the Boekelbeek or Moldergembeek.
Node 53 – 55 Molenberg
Head back in the direction of checkpoint 53, continuing to follow the walking route trail by climbing the Molenberg toward checkpoint 55. Definitely take a moment to have a look around here, because you have beautiful panoramic views of the region.
Node 55 – 59 Vinkemolen
The Vinkemolen, an old post mill, can be spotted from afar and soon dominates the landscape. This mill was originally situated in Oosterzele, where it remained in operation until 1956. In 1983, the mill was blown over and it wasn't until 2002 that the Vinkemolen was rebuilt on Franskouter, on the site where another post mill had previously stood. The mill was inaugurated in 2003.
Node 43 – 57 PERLINK VALLEY
This nature reserve is formed by the valley of the Perlinkbeek. The Perlink Valley is situated in a very undulating landscape, typical of the Flemish Ardennes. The nature reserve primarily consists of valley forests, small bogs, thickets, hay meadows, grazing pastures and several fields. A wide range of mammals, insects and birds live here.
Node 57 – 56 De Vliegende Hollander
End your route with a visit to De Vliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman), the Zwalmstreek's coziest "Dutch" café. You'll find beers on tap and also special regional beers.
End point SINT-BLASIUS CHURCH
