The best MTB trails around Beveren

The Stropersbos is located right on the Belgian-Dutch border and forms a whole with the Clingse Bossen, as the forest on the Dutch side of the border is called. The history of the forest dates back to the 13th century. This means that the forest has experienced wars, and from one of those wars, the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), very clear traces can still be seen: there are still a number of remnants of the Line that served here in 1701. A little further north, there are also remains of Fort Sint-Jan (from which the Dutch municipality Sint-Jan-Steen derives its name). But even if you are not interested in that history, the Stropersbos is a special place, both for the tree and plant lover, the birdwatcher, the playing child, the boot-wearing walker who likes to trudge through mud, the bivouacker, ... and everyone who simply enjoys a walk. There is a good chance you will encounter wild horses, pass grazing sheep, or that - who knows, maybe you'll be as lucky as I was - roe deer or a fox will cross your path. In short: a very beautiful hiking area ...

The outdoor site of KLINGSPOOR can be visited every day. The experience centre is open every Sunday from April to October from 2 PM to 5 PM. Staff members of Folkloregroep De Klomp will welcome visitors. KLINGSPOOR is freely accessible to everyone; no ticket needed. Would you like to visit the experience centre with your family, as part of a school trip or with a group? Then you can make an appointment via the Sint-Gillis-Waas Tourism service. source: klingspoor.be

Actually, it's not allowed in the Clingse Bossen: go off the path, roam through the forest and build huts. Because plants get damaged and animals get scared. But here you can! So come and splash around with water, climb a tree, put on your own show in the theatre or play hide-and-seek!". an information board challenges children to romp around here. "Feel free to bring your parents: just put them on a bench with a good book and they'll be no trouble at all!" it continues, almost in the style of Annie M.G. Schmidt ;-)

A bunker of 8 x 7.5 meters, with a wall thickness of 2 meters... If there were no information boards on the wall, you could easily walk past it, as it doesn't have the typical appearance of a bunker, but rather that of a house or shed. The bunker is part of a 12.5 km line of a total of 216 bunkers built. Construction began in early 1917 under the leadership of German engineers, but it was mainly requisitioned civilian workers who carried them out. There are 5 main types. This bunker is of type W3, a large observation bunker. These bunkers are the largest on the bunker line and presumably command bunkers for observation. The location of the only 4 examples indicates that they were intended for the local commanders of the defense. This line from 1917 on the left bank of the Scheldt was part of a German defense concept against northern incursions. The bunkers are important in military history and are therefore temporarily protected as monuments. The Germans tested various constructions. Ultimately, the reinforced concrete monolithic shelters provided the greatest satisfaction, and bunkers of this type were built on the Steendorp-Vrasene line. source: information board on site

Our Lady's chapel on the corner of Lange Nieuwstraat and Groenendam. The chapel and especially the statue of Mary have clearly suffered from the ravages of time. Next to the chapel is a sign with a poem by Leo Vercruyssen, "Lieve Vrouwe van de Polder". Leo Vercruyssen (1922-1999) was a pastor in Meerdonk for over twenty years (1973-1994) and was also known as a poet and cultural figure. source: sint-gillis-waas.be

A 'weel' (also called 'wiel' or 'kolk') is a deep pool of water that originated after a dike breach. The enormous force of the water during such a breach created a deep hole behind the dike, which often remained in the landscape as a mere or pool after the dike was repaired. Such 'welen' often develop into valuable nature reserves. The Grote and Kleine Weel form an important link between the nature reserves Grote Geule and Drijdijck. The Grote Geule is an offshoot of the former, much larger Land van Saeftinghe. source: natuurpunt.be

Every half-hour and hour you can pass here

Beautiful, quiet spot along the banks of the Scheldt. Well-maintained