In the middle of the agricultural zone, between Beerse, Rijkevorsel and Vlimmeren, lies the beautiful nature reserve Eksterheide. The walk takes you through forests, along fens and through heathland. You will not notice much of the old airport that once was here, sheep are helping to keep the advancing trees under control, while in the rest of the nature reserve grazing cattle and konik horses contribute to keeping the landscape open.
Distance: 9 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Not allowed from March 15 to August 15.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: 95% unpaved.
Marking: Walking nodes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Old airport.
The walk starts at the Dessel-Schoten canal, you cross the canal via a pedestrian bridge and you walk a short distance along this waterway. Soon you enter the nature reserve, at junction 50 you take a detour to a bird watching hut. Then it continues along a more open landscape. At junction 59 there is an information panel, a few benches and a picnic table. You continue along a wooden path and trough forest before you get back to the canal.
Download PDf for the route description.
Wear waterproof footwear in rainy weather.
POI 1 - Eksterheide.
TIn the Eksterheide, an important piece of nature restoration has already been achieved with the demolition of an old airport, and there is still more to be done. The coniferous forests with native Corsican pines are gradually being transformed into native deciduous forests or into open inland dune and heath vegetation. What disappears in forest, is replanted on fields and grasslands within the boundaries of the nature reserve.
No extra information.
