Hageländer Hill Route

The Hageland region is roughly situated between the cities of Leuven, Tienen, Zoutleeuw, Diest, and Aarschot. The area you will explore during this cycling tour is located north of the Tienen-Leuven axis. The oldest mention of the term Hageland is said to date back to 1528. The word simply means "woodland." And there is certainly no shortage of that here. Besides the numerous larger and smaller forests, you will also enjoy the many fruit trees along the route. Low-stemmed apple and pear trees are almost just as important here. Occasionally, you will also notice some authentic high-stem fruit orchards.
The hills along the route are mostly no higher than eighty or ninety meters, and you don't even have to start your ascent from sea level. In other words, elevation differences of more than thirty meters are not to be overcome on this route.
Even without climbing abilities, you can manage this route. It is interesting to know that the hills on this route are actually fossilized sandbanks that remained after the Diestian Sea receded from present-day Flanders seven million years ago.

DIRECTIONS
Hexagonal signs with red letters. The route described here shortens the official route by nine kilometers.

SAFETY
Relatively safe route. As always, be careful when crossing main roads. Cautiously descend the Molendries, if necessary on foot.

Predominantly paved roads, occasionally a dirt or gravel path. 5% traffic-free.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Village square, Lubbeek, at the St. Martinus Church.

INFORMATION
- Tourist office, municipal administration, Gellenberg 16, 3210 Lubbeek, 016 47 97 00, info@lubbeek.be, www.lubbeek.be.
- Tourist office Tielt-Winge, House Hageland, Oudepastoriestraat 22, 3390 Tielt-Winge, 016 53 66 94, an.verrek@tielt-winge.be, www.tielt-winge.be.

BIKE RENTAL
You cannot rent bikes near the starting point.

FOOD AND DRINK
- De Schwan, Dorpsstraat 7, 3210 Lubbeek, 03 877 74 49.