The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Natuurreservaat Vallei Van De Zwarte Beek - Beringen

Extreme variety, from a sodden peat bog valley to the bone-dry sandy dunes on the heath, that is what the Valley of the Black Creek is known for. In the upper reaches, the creek meanders through the military domain “Kamp van Beverlo”. Here it has retained its natural meandering. That is why a rare fish species like the brook lamprey certainly feels at home here. The creek valley gradually transitions into the large heathland area: wet heath with bogs and dry heath with dunes. Only a few species of plants and animals can withstand the large temperature fluctuations, enormous drought, and very dynamic sand drifts. Between purple moor grass, rough haircap moss, and sea sandwort, sand beetles hunt small insects. Wheatears, pipits, and larks, in turn, try to outwit the fast sprinters.

The pond by the small stream in Korspel (Beringen) is a quiet and green spot located right next to a cycle path and walking trail. It is an ideal stop for hikers and cyclists to rest for a while.

The original flat heath landscape in Limburg changed its relief thoroughly when coal mining began. The coal that was brought up had to be separated from the unusable stones. For this, the coal was 'washed' and the waste was piled up. This is how the mine dumps were created. Today, the dump and its surroundings have been transformed into a nature reserve with a variety of flora and fauna.

Drasland (English: wetland) is an ecosystem in which the soil is temporarily or permanently submerged in water. The water comes from precipitation, the soil, or nearby waterways. Wetlands are rich in biodiversity and help us in the fight against climate change in various ways.

Wetland is an ecosystem in which the soil is temporarily or permanently underwater. The water comes from precipitation, the soil, or nearby waterways. Wetlands are rich in biodiversity and help us in various ways in the fight against climate change.

In 1992, the last mine in the Benelux closed its doors in Zolder. Yet, it was the first place where the protected buildings were given a new purpose. Along with the winding tower, the Monnoyer chimney, and the mortuary, they remain visible relics of "black gold." The "Watt 17" power station has been expertly restored. The multifunctional building "De Verdieping" houses a passive school and the CVO (Cultural Education Centre), and in the restored winding engine building, you can take the ZLDR LUCHTFABRIEK heritage walk for free. The Market Square comes alive every second and fourth Wednesday of the month with the multicultural market "MijnMarkt" (My Market).

@jeroen driesen: It's because of this behavior from you cyclists that we keep hearing about "cycling terrorists." The Heusden-Zolder slag heap is a protected nature reserve, and if cycling is prohibited there, there's a good reason for it, and you shouldn't be disrupting nature there!

The recreation area is known to many as "het (Koersels) kapelleke" (the Koersels chapel), as it grew around the chapel of Our Lady of the Stakes and has been a place of pilgrimage since 1826. The observation tower is the focal point of this wooded area. Anyone who climbs the nearly 30-meter-high tower can look out over the typical Kempen landscape. The area includes a playground, minigolf, trick pin courts, a splash pond, and numerous beautiful camping sites for youth clubs. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy an orienteering run. The hiking opportunities are endless. Source and more: https://www.beringen.be/recreatie-t-fonteintje Admission to the playground, observation tower, and splash pond is free. Open from the beginning of the Easter holidays until the end of the autumn holidays. Opening hours at https://www.visitberingen.be/fonteintje