The best running trails around the Steldt

The Schelde region offers a vast network of over 2100 running routes. These include a wide variety of options, from easy paths perfect for beginners to challenging trails for experienced runners.

The Schelde region is characterized by its dynamic river landscape, featuring extensive floodplains, tranquil wetlands, and expansive meadows. You'll find diverse habitats like dense reed beds and small woodlands, offering varied scenery. The generally flat and well-maintained paths along the Schelde riverbanks provide a refreshing escape into nature, often with stunning river views.

Yes, the Schelde region has plenty of options for beginners. There are over 210 easy running routes available. A good example is the Étang du Vignoble Loop, an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete.

The running routes in Schelde are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 1200 reviews. More than 76,000 runners have explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic river views, the tranquility of the wetlands, and the well-maintained paths.

Yes, many running routes in the Schelde region are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Liedemeer park – Liedermeerspark loop from Ghent is a moderate 7.8-mile (12.5 km) loop, and the Arbed Park loop from Gent-Dampoort is another popular moderate 8.7-mile (14 km) option.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the Schelde region offers several extensive running trails. The Kluisberg Trail XL is a difficult 18.8-mile (30.2 km) route with significant elevation gain, taking around 3 hours 35 minutes. Another option is the Saltenberg Hill, Blaarmeersen – Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen loop from Gent-Dampoort, a difficult 19.9-mile (32 km) trail.

Absolutely. The Schelde riverbanks are a highlight for scenic running. In Antwerp, you can enjoy nearly off-road running from the Sint-Annatunnel to the Noordkasteel park. The region's floodplains, wetlands, and meadows, particularly in areas like the Kalkense Meersen, offer beautiful natural backdrops for your run.

The Schelde region is rich in natural beauty. You can encounter diverse landscapes such as the floral meadows and lily ponds of Kalkense Meersen, the wet swamp and marsh forests of the Old Scheldt, and the expansive Polders of Kruibeke. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, and even European beavers, foxes, or roe deer in some areas.

Yes, for runners looking for a challenge, there are over 230 difficult routes. The Kluisberg Trail XL, an 18.8-mile (30.2 km) trail with significant elevation gain, is a prime example. Another demanding option is the Saltenberg Hill, Blaarmeersen – Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen loop from Gent-Dampoort, which covers nearly 20 miles (32 km).

Many areas along the Schelde, especially near urban centers like Antwerp and Ghent, offer good public transport access. For instance, routes along the Antwerp riverbanks, such as those near the Sint-Annatunnel, are often easily reachable. In Ghent, routes like the 10 km through Gentbrugge or the Unpaved paths in the Gentbrugse Meersen are typically well-connected.

While many natural areas in the Schelde region are dog-friendly, it's always best to check local regulations for specific nature reserves or parks, as some may require dogs to be on a leash or restrict access to certain sensitive habitats. Generally, paths along the riverbanks and through less protected areas are suitable for running with dogs.

Yes, the Schelde region is dotted with historical and cultural points of interest. You might pass centuries-old dikes and watermills within the Scheldevallei National Park. The Old Scheldt near Bornem features the historic Castle of Marnix of Saint-Aldegonde. In Antwerp, the iconic Sint-Annatunnel and Het Steen Castle are notable landmarks along running paths.

Yes, while the Schelde region is known for its open floodplains, you can also find routes that incorporate woodlands. The Koppenberg forest offers a moderate 5-mile (8.1 km) running experience through wooded terrain. The Hobokense Polder Nature Preserve also provides paths through woods and riparian swamps.