The Flemish Agency for Nature and Forests is currently constructing a long-distance ramblers’ trail between the towns of Halle and Leuven in Flemish Brabant Province. The trail will consist of four stages, and there will also be camp sites where ramblers can pitch their tents. For ramblers who only wish to cover part of the route, the Forests of Brabant National Park will also map out a dozen loops along the route that can be covered in a day. Everything should be ready in two years' time.
New ramblers’ trail through Forests of Brabant between Halle and Leuven ready in 2028
Colin Clapson
Published:
The construction of the path is part of the plan to connect the Hallerbos (Halle Wood), the Sonian Forest and the Meerdaal Forest in the Forests of Brabant National Park. This will connect one of the oldest forest zones in Flanders.
A ramblers’ route between Halle and Leuven will be mapped out through the National Park. ‘We already have a general idea of where the route will run, although the connections have not yet been finalised everywhere,’ says Steven Vanonckelen, coordinator of Forests of Brabant National Park.
Four stages with bivouac areas
‘We want the route and signage to be ready by 2028. Some sections of the route still need to be cleared and greened. The route will consist of four stages with camp sites along the way, including a wooden platform that can accommodate several tents.’
‘We also want to work with local B&Bs and hotels to offer overnight accommodation,’ says Vanonckelen. For those who prefer to stick to a single day's walking, day loops will be mapped out.
Flanders, the province of Flemish Brabant and 12 municipal authorities are providing around 800,000 euros per year for the Forests of Brabant National Park. Three-quarters of the cash comes from the Flemish government.