The best walks and hikes in Groot Schietveld
4.4
(6254)
36,279
hikers
14
hikes
Hiking trails in Groot Schietveld traverse a unique landscape characterized by extensive dry and wet heathlands, fens, and meadows, encircled by forests. This area, part of the Antwerp Campine, features varied relief and soil types, including remnants of inland dunes and sand ridges. The terrain's diversity supports specialized plant species and significant biodiversity, making it a notable natural domain. While primarily an active military area with restricted access, specific paths and guided excursions offer opportunities to explore its natural features.
Best hiking trails in Groot Schietveld
- The most popular hiking route is The Marum Forest – Course of the Kleine AA loop from Wuustwezel, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 28 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the Marum Forest and follows the Kleine AA river.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Park Franciscans – Sacred Heart statue of Jesus loop from Groot Schietveld, an easy 2.8 miles (4.5 km) path. This trail leads through the grounds of the former Franciscan convent, now a public park.
- Local hikers also love the West-Beersgat – Park Franciscans loop from Gooreind, a 9.8 miles (15.8 km) trail leading through varied terrain including West-Beersgat and the Park Franciscans, often completed in about 3 hours 59 minutes.
- Hiking in Groot Schietveld is defined by heathlands, fens, and forests, with varied relief and sand ridges. The network offers options for easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Groot Schietveld are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5000 reviews. More than 33000 hikers have used komoot to explore Groot Schietveld's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.7
(23)
62
hikers
5.82km
01:29
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(15)
95
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(17)
48
hikers
15.8km
04:00
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(16)
54
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
31
hikers
23.8km
05:59
30m
30m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
the bridge is located on a gravel road. Here are some information boards and there is a column that explains the area of Marum in a spoken voice.
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Next to the bridge is another nice resting place with nice interactive information about the area.
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Neo-Gothic chapel modernized The neo-Gothic chapel was given a central place as a cafeteria and multi-purpose space. The OCMW also found a place there. The chapel was first thoroughly restored with modern heating and lighting techniques and a new stone floor. Additional openings in the facades let in a lot of light and provide a great sense of space through the panoramic view. The space on the rood screen was separated from the rest of the chapel by a glass wall
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The Sacred Heart Statue of Jesus was erected in September 1904. On the pedestal is the Latin text: “Ignemveni mittere in terram, etquid volo nist ut accendatur?” “I came to bring fire to the earth, and what else would I desire than for it to blaze up?”
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Slow Cabins: get away from the world in Wuustwezel Slow down in a detached eco-hut in a secret location near home, surrounded by peace and beautiful nature. That is the concept of “Slow Cabins”. You can now also come and completely slow down in Wuustwezel on a domain of vzw Kempens Landschap. Vzw Kempens Landschap is the owner of a beautiful park and nature reserve in Wuustwezel. The domain used to be the backyard of a monastery where sisters were prepared to leave on a foreign mission. Here and there you will come across religious traces of this past, such as statues or a Lourdes grotto. Eye-catchers of the quiet walking area are a few stately avenues, meadows and forest zones. In a quiet corner of the domain, a self-sufficient house for couples, the ‘Time for Two’ cabin, is temporarily being set up. This ecological and mobile cabin guarantees a unique ‘nature experience’ in refined simplicity. Cook your own meal in the kitchen, light the wood fire or try an outdoor barbecue next to a sputtering fire pit. If you want, you can also book a slow dinner with local products or a breakfast basket. Book a moment of rest at www.slowcabins.be !
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Heritage walk The monastery buildings are surrounded by avenues, meadows and forests. The heritage walk takes you past a number of religious statues and interesting places. Along the way, the signs tell you more about the lives of the sisters and the domain. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters where you can view the history of the sisters on a memorial column.
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Park Franciscanessen International novitiate From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters. Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain. Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat! Role of Kempens Landschap After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre. Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general accessibility for hiking in Groot Schietveld?
Groot Schietveld is primarily an active military domain, which means public access is largely restricted. However, a specific 'transversal path' is open for walkers and cyclists on weekends (Saturday sunrise to Sunday sunset). This 1.4 km path runs between Arthur Boelstraat in Gooreind and Kreolienstraat in Overbroek. Visitors must stay within fenced areas due to military exercises. Guided excursions are also occasionally available through organizations like Landschap vzw.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Groot Schietveld?
Groot Schietveld is known for its unique and diverse landscapes, featuring extensive dry and wet heathlands, fens, and meadows, all encircled by forests. You'll encounter varied terrain, including remnants of inland dunes and sand ridges formed during the last ice age. This rich environment supports specialized plant species and significant biodiversity.
Are there any specific natural features or wildlife I might encounter?
Yes, Groot Schietveld is a haven for biodiversity. It's particularly famous for having one of the most important adder populations in Northwest Europe. The area also hosts over 100 breeding bird species, including the European honey buzzard and European nightjar, and more than 30 species of butterflies like the Alcon blue. The varied terrain supports unique plant species of moist heathland such as heath orchid, fen orchid, marsh gentian, and round-leaved sundew.
What are the difficulty levels of hiking trails available?
The hiking routes in and around Groot Schietveld cater to various abilities. Out of the approximately 11 available tours, 7 are classified as easy, and 4 are moderate. There are no difficult trails listed, making the area suitable for casual hikers and those looking for less strenuous walks.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, many of the routes in the vicinity of Groot Schietveld are circular. For example, you can explore The Marum Forest – Bailey Bridge over the Kleine Aa loop from Loenhout, an easy 6.8 km trail. Another option is The Marum Forest loop from Wuustwezel, which is also easy and covers about 6.9 km.
What historical or cultural points of interest can be found near the trails?
The landscape around Groot Schietveld holds cultural-historical significance. You can find traces of medieval peat extraction and old agricultural systems. The former Franciscan convent grounds, now a public park, offer walking opportunities and insights into the past. You can visit the Park Franciscans or the Franciscan Sisters Gooreind Domain.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Groot Schietveld?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Groot Schietveld, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5,400 reviews. More than 33,000 hikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the unique heathland landscapes and the tranquility of the area.
Is Groot Schietveld suitable for family hikes?
While the main military domain has restricted access, the surrounding areas and accessible paths offer options for families. The easy-rated trails, such as those through the Marum Forest or the Park Franciscans, are generally suitable for families looking for shorter, less challenging walks. Always check specific route details for suitability.
Are there any specific landmarks or attractions to look out for?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can find several interesting spots. Consider visiting the Park Franciscans, which is a historical site. There's also the West-Beersgat Gravel Road, offering a different kind of trail experience. For something unique, you might spot the Giant Lego blocks.
What are the options for parking when visiting Groot Schietveld?
For the recently reopened transversal path, parking is available near its access points. You can find parking options close to Arthur Boelstraat in Gooreind and Kreolienstraat in Overbroek. For other trails in the surrounding areas, specific parking information is usually available on the individual route pages.
Can I access Groot Schietveld using public transport?
Public transport options exist for reaching the vicinity of Groot Schietveld. For the transversal path, you can look for public transport connections to Arthur Boelstraat in Gooreind or Kreolienstraat in Overbroek. De Lijn bus services operate in the region, and specific bus stops near these access points can be found by checking local transport schedules.
What is the best time of year to hike in Groot Schietveld?
The unique heathland ecosystems of Groot Schietveld are particularly beautiful during late summer and early autumn when the heather is in bloom, creating a vibrant purple landscape. Spring also offers pleasant hiking conditions with emerging flora and active wildlife. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as the terrain can be exposed.
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