The walk starts at the klingspoor site and goes through the Lange Vaag nature reserve to the No man's land lookout tower. Then you cross the border with the Netherlands and walk through the Waterwinbossen, a unique area on a low-calcium cover sand ridge.
Distance: 11 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Point to point.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: Mainly unpaved.
Marking: Walking nodes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
Lange Vaag and Waterwinbossen.
From the starting point you walk in the direction of the Lange Vaag nature reserve, which is part of the Stropersbos. You pass the grazing zone and eventually reach the N290. You cross the busy road and walk through a more open landscape in the direction of the No Man's Land lookout tower that you can see from afar. On the 22 meter high tower you have a beautiful view of the surroundings. You go from the tower along boundary marker 281 into the Waterwinbossen nature reserve. You make a detour in this unique area over long avenues and large water features until you reach the N290 again. You cross the road again and continue through the Clingse woods. At the end of the walk you will arrive at the Klinspoor site, where you can discover everything about the train connection between Mechelen and Terneuzen, which was put into use in 1871. You also walk past a reconstruction of the Death Wire, which was supposed to prevent smugglers from crossing the Belgian-Dutch border here during WWI.
Download PDF for nodes to follow.
In the Netherlands, the walking node signage looks slightly different. Look for green-yellow signs.
POI 1 - Lange Vaag Nature Reserve.
The Lange Vaag is a nature reserve that is part of the Stropersbos. The conifers that were planted here during the 19th century gave way to young heathland, so that light and space fundamentally redesigned the forest. Konik horses and sheep graze emerging forest quickly away, so that the heathland can grow sustainably. There is a chance that you will encounter them, because you are walking right along the grazing zone.
No additional information.
POI 2 - Watchtower Niemandsland.
You can see it popping up from hundreds of meters away, the 22 meter high watchtower. The tower is located close to border marker 281 and symbolizes the connection between Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and the Waasland. From above you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Zeeuws-Wase forests, the polders, and even the nuclear power plants of Doel in the distance.
No additional information.
POI 3 - Waterwinbossen.
Long avenues and large water features determine the picture in the Waterwinbossen. It is the only nature reserve in Zeeland that lies on a low-calcium cover sand ridge. As a result, special plant and animal species live there, such as the spotted and black woodpecker, the nuthatch, and the pug bat. With a bit of luck you will come face to face with a deer or one of the many squirrels will cross your path.
No additional information.
POI 4 - Klingspoor.
The Klingspoor site is a place that reminds of different aspects of the history of this region. You will find an old steam locomotive there, because De Klinge had one of the first Belgian train stations. You also walk past a reconstruction of the Death Wire, which was supposed to prevent smugglers from crossing the Belgian-Dutch border here during WWI.
Klingspoor.
www.klingspoor.be
