Den Dotter walking route
Den Dotter walking route
Start
Start: Gotegem Mill
We start our walk along on the banks of the Molenbeek. Have you spotted the Gotegem Mill yet? It is one of the best-preserved water mills in this region. For more than 600 years, the mill held back water from the stream so that the marsh marigold meadows and the Den Dotter nature reserve could fully develop. This water mill is a now a listed monument as well as a valuable attraction. It is located at the foot of Gotegemberg, which is popular with cyclists due to its steep slope.
Den Dotter nature reserve
The Den Dotter nature reserve extends over 250 hectares from our start at the Gotegem Mill to the Engels Mill. The Molenbeek is the common 'blue' thread running through this nature reserve. It is named after the many mills along its banks. We wander through the low-lying areas past wet meadows and hayfields, marshes and wetland forests. Marsh marigolds bloom here in the spring and both the nature reserve and our walk are named after this little yellow flower. The higher and drier parts of the region consist of open, undulating fields that have been cultivated for centuries. We also walk past the birth forest of Heldergem, one of the most beautiful locations on our route. Each little tree literally represents a new life, as a new tree is planted here whenever a baby is born in Haaltert. After this oasis of peace and natural beauty, you can relax with a coffee and an indulgent plate of sweet treats at Koffiehuis Het Boontje.
Koffiehuis Het Boontje - Mosveldstraat 53 - 9451 Kerksken
The Engels Mill
Just past the coffee house, we once again cross the Molenbeek via the pedestrian bridge and arrive at the Engels Mill. We walk through a historic 16th-century water mill complex, many of whose buildings have been restored in recent years. The mill building itself dates from 1774 and stands as a silent witness to this region's industrial history .
Aaigemdries
We continue across fields walking along quiet paths to the Aaigemdries. Arriving at this triangular meadow bordered by trees is like taking a leap back in time. Some farmsteads around the pasture have been there for several centuries. You can almost imagine cattle from days past happily grazing in this idyllic spot under the shade of the trees. It's now a place to go for a tasty snack: home-made cakes at Groot Geluk or freshly made farmhouse ice cream at Hoeve Van Den Bossche. Time for a delicious, well-deserved break!
Groot Geluk - Aaigemdries 7 - Aaigem
Hoeve Van Den Bossche - Aaigemdries 11 - Aaigem
Arrival: Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes
We walk the last 1.5 km and can already see the orange-and-yellow Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes looming in the distance. This neo-Gothic chapel is richly decorated inside. Many walkers stop here to rest, so take a seat on the bench next to the chapel. We then continue our journey until we reach the Gotegem Mill, where our walk began. Nearby, Frieda welcomes you to her cosy pub Café Caberé to finish this walk in style with a typical Belgian beer.
Gotegemstraat 17, 9420 Haaltert
Finish
