4.0
(1)
14
riders
Cycling through the Trees – Beverlo Canal loop from Vorst-Meerlaar
04:07
68.4km
120m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 23.3 km for 57 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
12.1 km
Hoolst Watermill
Highlight • Monument
The Hoolst watermill was probably founded in the 13th century and is perhaps the oldest mill in Balen. It would have been there before the actual village of Balen. It is an undershot mill with a completely iron water wheel. This wheel has a special double function: on the one hand it drives the grain mill and on the other hand the oil mill with which seeds are crushed into smout. Both mills are powered by one water wheel, which is unique in the world.
The oldest official mention of the mill dates from around 1289. The mill may have already existed in 1223, since in that year the abbey of Corbie entrusted an unspecified water mill to Mol's guardian. Various documents show that this mill was the ban mill of Balen. Local residents were therefore obliged to grind their grain at this mill.
Throughout its history, the mill was restored or renovated several times. The current mill building, originally made of wood but petrified in the period 1914-1919, dates back to at least the 18th century and includes a grain mill and an oil mill. Because of the dual function, there were initially two wooden wheels. The impact mill had a separate water wheel eastwards on a second Nete arm, which was later filled in. After 1911 the switch was made to one wheel. The mill was shut down in 1967 due to a lack of sufficient grain. After various repair works, and thanks to the volunteer association the Molenvrienden Balen-Olmen, it was thoroughly restored in 1987-1988. Since then it has been regularly restarted.
On July 4, 1984, the Mill Friends received a visit from King Baudouin at Hoolstmolen, who was extensively informed about the operation of the mill. Appropriately, he was presented with a mill loaf and a bottle of smout.
SOURCE: Heritage Balen and Olmense Association for Local History and History
I
Translated by Google •
Tip by
20.2 km
Keiheuvel Natuurreservaat
Forest
22.3 km
Path Along the Runway of Aeroclub Keiheuvel
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
22.9 km
Keiheuvel Airfield
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
24.3 km
Keiheuvel
Nature Reserve
26.9 km
Beverlo Canal
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
29.0 km
Kattenbos
Forest
35.7 km
Geodetic Station Lommel (Iron Man)
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
35.8 km
Cycling through the Trees
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
39.5 km
Beverlo Canal
Highlight • River
Construction started in 1854 and was completed three years later. The canal was dug mainly for military reasons. After the independence of Belgium, the Beverlo Camp was established in Beverlo from 1835 onwards (called Leopoldsburg from 1932). The Camp needed good access roads for the supply and transport of heavy military equipment. Afterwards, the canal also became important for the metal industry (Vieille Montagne), which settled along the canal in Balen in 1889.
The canal ends in the harbor basin of Leopoldsburg and is free of locks.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
59.0 km
Dessel-Kwaadmechelen Canal
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
68.4 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.7 km
15.8 km
10.5 km
9.02 km
4.43 km
Surfaces
27.2 km
18.6 km
15.5 km
6.81 km
357 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 23 August
23°C
9°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free