This walk takes you through the Nielsbroek nature reserve along the Rupel dike to the old brick-making hamlet of Hellegat, after which you discover the Walenhoek nature reserve with numerous old clay pits.
Walenhoek
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 3h00
Grade: Easy
Gps track: Yes
Route description: Yes
Type: Circular
Height gain: Flat
Way mark: Nodes of the walking network
Wheelchair: Unsuitable
Dog: Allowed on leach
Nielsbroek and Hellegat.
The walk departs from Niel station and during the first fifteen minutes you will not get to see much special except for buildings. At Nieldersbroek castle you walk in the direction of the valley of the Wullebeek. Then you walk through the Nielsbroek nature reserve to arrive at the dike of the Rupel, which you follow for a while. Again you have to cross a somewhat duller part to get back to the Rupel dike. You leave the dike at the old brick-making hamlet of Hellegat, a protected village scene with brick ovens, drying sheds, clay dredgers and workers' houses. Along the edge of the Hellegatbos you come to the nature house Paardenstal. The last part of the walk goes through the Walenhoek nature reserve where the former clay pits have evolved into an attractive and wetland area.
50% unpaved.
Picnic spots at KP 153 at the nature house and in the Walenhoek nature reserve.
After heavy rainfall, the paths in Nielsbroek can be very muddy. An alternative route has been included in the itinerary.
Two parts through built-up areas.
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https://trailexplorer.eu/en/belgium/antwerp/antwerp-walks/2059-walenhoek.html#sigProIdce2ddf129d