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Nowhere in the Flemish landscape has man intruded as brutally as here in the Rupel region. The renowned Boom clay pit has been excavated here at an ever-increasing pace since the 13th century. Large, deep pits were left behind and now dominate the view between Rumst and Hemiksem. Nowadays, activity has almost come to a standstill. Here and there, a lonely chimney of a vanished brick factory rises above the horizon. Areas have been filled again with dredging material from the Scheldt, allowing nature the chance to heal the ugly scars of the past. Some surprisingly beautiful oases of tranquility and greenery will be offered to you on this walk. On the way back, you can reflect on the past of this region along the Rupel.
DEPARTURE POINT
You can reach the Grand Café Kaai by taking the A12 at the Boom exit. Follow the center and turn right at the second traffic light towards the center/Niel. At the T-junction at the bottom, go left under the bridge. At the approach to the roundabout in the marketplace, take the narrow Windstraat next to the supermarket on the right. At the Rupel, turn left.
PARKING
At the Grand Café Kaai.
TYPE OF PATH
Asphalt on the Rupeldijk, gravel and wooden paths in the Schorre, dirt and gravel paths in the second clay pit.
ACCESSIBILITY
Impossible for strollers and wheelchairs; dogs on a leash in the Schorre; slippery in the second clay pit when wet.
INFORMATION
- Tourism Rupel region: Provincial Domain De Schorre, Kapelstraat 83, 2850 Boom, Tel. 03 880 76 25, Fax 03 880 76 11, toerup@pandora.be, www.toerismerupelstreek.be.
- Recreation center De Schorre: Kapelstraat 83, 2850 Boom, Tel. 03 880 76 00, Fax 03 880 76 11, info@deschorre.provant.be, www.deschorre.be
FOOD & DRINK
- Grand Café Kaai: Kaai 40, 2850 Boom, Tel. 03 843 33 12, Fax 03 844 09 49, info@kaai.be, www.kaai.be, open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM, stylish, panoramic view over the Rupel, summer terrace.
- Taverne De Schorre: Kapelstraat 83, 2850 Boom, Tel. 03 880 75 41, daily from 11:00 AM, in summer from 10:00 AM, cafeteria, snacks, terrace.
- Café Bij Sanny en Patje: Nieuwstraat in Terhagen.
- Restaurant Epicurus: Kardinaal Cardijnstraat 46, 2840 Terhagen, Tel. 03 888 33 11, closed Mon.-Wed., closed in July.
- 't Steencaycken: Hoek 76, 2850 Boom, Tel. 03 888 53 63, open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, kitchen: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Fri.-Sun. also 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, closed Tue.