Bulskampveld walking route
Bulskampveld walking route
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Start: Bulskampveld
As the name itself suggests, a major part of our walking route passes through the Bulskampveld nature reserve. This was once the largest contiguous moorland in Flanders. The name ‘Bulskampveld’ is derived from Old Dutch and refers back to the open and rugged character of this landscape before it was forested (‘Bulnus Campa’ = field of bulls). Today, however, the area is a mix of moorland, forests and water. When the estate was reclaimed in the 18th century, avenues were laid out in a checkerboard pattern. This makes the area easier for walkers to explore. Passing through the park set out in the English landscape style, our route takes us towards Bulskampveld Castle.
Bulskampveld Visitors' Centre
Constructed in the late 19th century, the neo-Gothic Bulskampveld Castle occupies a central position within the nature reserve. It is often also called the Lippensgoed Castle Estate, which is a reference to its former owners. The noble Lippens family is a well-known Belgian family from Knokke-Heist and they were the ones that designed and configured the estate as we see it today. Nowadays, the castle houses a nature centre and visitors' centre, where you can find information about the region. An interactive exhibition entitled 'Roots' lets you wander amongst the trees, tree roots and fungi and experience the forest over a period of 24 hours. The main aim of the exhibition is therefore to make sure you can actually see the wood for the trees! Definitely highly recommended!
Hoeve Colpaert (farm)
After visiting the Roots exhibition, we can then make another small stop at Hoeve Colpaert. There, you can enjoy hand-made ice cream or some other tasty, farm-made dessert.
Bulskampveld herb garden
After indulging our taste buds, our route then takes us to the castle's Herb Garden. Here, we can enjoy the scents and the colours of no fewer than 400 varieties of herbs. Scan the QR codes and you'll learn more about each herb.
Aanwijsputten
Part of the nature reserve, the Aanwijsputten, is not accessible because of its fragility. Because wild ducks used to be hunted here, this area is also known as the 'Eendenputten' (Duck Wells). Two observation towers offer a beautiful panoramic view of this ecologically valuable area. The Viewing Room is about ten metres above ground level. From that vantage point, you will spot numerous species of birds. And with a bit of luck, rare inhabitants such as the emerald dragonfly or little green gems such as marsh clubmoss or sundew will also appear for you to see.
Heideveld nature reserve – Bornebeek
The Bulskampveld provincial estate also includes the 30-hectare Heideveld-Bornebeek nature reserve. Walking through moorland, fens and grasslands that have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages makes you feel like you've stepped back into a bygone age for a while. Wooden paths spanning pools and marshes (plank walks or wooden boardwalks) keep our feet dry as we go in search of dragonflies and damselflies. Make sure you also look out for the Galloway cattle. They graze the landscape here and so you may well come across them.
De Kruiderie
We previously made a stop at the Herb Garden at the castle. The herbalists among us who think it's worthwhile deviating from our walking route by another 250 metres or so will get their reward at De Kruiderie. Who knows, you may even come across a top chef during your visit there. Because along with a number of major catering companies and stores, some of the country's most prominent chefs are also regular customers here in the picking garden. This is a charming little garden where you can pick or harvest your own fresh flowers, herbs or edible plants. Straight from nature. Afterwards, you simply pay for what you harvested. At one of the cosy picnic benches, you can also treat yourself to a lemon verbena-based beer or a gin that was produced on site.
Arrival: Urbancafé Lippensgoed and playground
We have now reached the end of our walk, but will stay on the site and make our way back towards the castle. Whilst the adults make themselves comfortable on the terrace of the trendy Urbancafé Lippensgoed, the children can use up their very last bit of energy here in the many play areas and beautiful playgrounds. Tip: In the forest play area, you can build camps, climb trees and play hide-and-seek among the bushes to your heart's content. All in all, this is a brilliant way to round off this walk, not only for young people, but also for those just that little bit older.
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