The best gravel rides in Vlaams Natuurreservaat Vallei Van De Ziepbeek

The Maas forms the border between the Netherlands and Belgium over a distance of forty kilometers. Here the river has free rein and can be quite wild. A maze of old riverbeds, banks, rapids, and gravel banks creates a wild, untouched landscape. And where there is water, there is life! Konik horses and Galloway cattle graze on the banks, while rare butterflies flutter by. This cross-border nature reserve is a paradise for hikers with over 200 kilometers of trails. There is also an extensive network of cycle paths! Discover not only the natural beauty but also the idyllic villages along the Maas and cross the river via a bridge or ferry. These large herbivores play a crucial role in managing the natural environment. Together, they create a varied landscape. In winter, the cattle graze on trees and shrubs, while the Konik horses feast on the shorter grass and the best herbs. This unique combination prevents the area from becoming overgrown with meadows and creates a dynamic mosaic of open pastures, rugged scrub, and forests. This keeps nature constantly in motion! The Maas is a rain-fed river, meaning that the hiking trails in RivierPark Maasvallei sometimes face floods during periods of heavy rainfall. This can affect the accessibility of the trails.

Cycling through the heath takes you right through the Hoge Kempen National Park. In this park, vast pine forests alternate with endless heathlands. Thanks to the new connection between cycle nodes 550 and 551, nature is presented to you on a silver platter. You cycle across the Mechelse Heide, one of the largest heath areas in Flanders with 700 hectares. The highlight of this route is undoubtedly the almost 300-meter-long wooden bridge, a recognizable element in the landscape. From the bridge, you have a panoramic view of the natural surroundings.

You will have to stand on tiptoe to observe the body of water over the fence.

Le Belvédère is not located at this spot!

A place of great serenity

In the Hoge Kempen National Park, Belgium's only national park, covering over 12,000 hectares of forests, heathlands, lakes, and valleys, cycling facilities have been significantly enhanced in recent years with new routes and experience points that make the area's natural diversity uniquely accessible to cyclists. One of the most striking of these is the cycle route near Kikmolen, located on the southwestern edge of the park near Maasmechelen, not far from the Dutch border. A special section cuts through the vast nature reserve. This cycling experience, part of the National Park's extensive cycling junction network, was introduced in 2021 as a new and attractive addition to the cycling offer. Instead of simply following regular cycle paths through forests and heathland, the route literally takes you through the heathland and open landscape of the Mechelse Heide, one of the largest heathlands in Flanders, with approximately 700 hectares of nature. What makes this route so special is the nearly 300-meter-long wooden panoramic bridge that forms part of the route between junctions 550 and 551. Constructed from sustainable wood, this bridge resembles a pier by the sea, yet nestled amidst the heathland and forests of Limburg. As you cycle across it, the path literally rises above the ground, offering unobstructed views of the Mechelse Heide and the surrounding nature park from its wooden structure. Horses graze in the distance, and in various spots, you'll see the rich flora and fauna that characterize the national park, making every bike ride a true nature experience. The route is approximately four kilometers long and forms part of the regional cycling network that runs through the National Park. You can combine this path with longer rides through the park using the numerous junctions, making it easy to create your own route or follow one of the suggested routes. Bicycles are available for rent at various park entrances, such as Station As Terhills or Kattevennen, so you don't necessarily need to bring your own. The cycling experience at Kikmolen is not only beautiful because of its natural and panoramic character, but also because of its accessibility. It's close to amenities such as campsites and restaurants, including a brasserie and parking facilities at the campsite itself. This makes the route part of a day trip or a longer visit to the park, with opportunities to explore other cycling or hiking routes, such as those along mine spoil tips or through forests and water features within the national park.

I haven't managed it without dismounting yet. The last few meters are always a struggle, even with a serious run-up. Loose rocks and sand make it tricky, and it's really quite steep. A fun challenge!

Beautiful path, amazing scenery.