Ros Carillon Route 45.4 km

Start Junction 91 Noordelaan ( Bruinkaai ) Nodes 91-88-87-81-27-29-22-14-2-67-68-65-45-44-66-72-73-76-77-87-88-89-91arrival 45.4 km

Between Scheldt and Dender is a beautiful piece of nature where the water is always close by. On this route you cycle past locks and bridges, wet meadows and moody villages, and stretch your calves on a terrace on the Donkmeer. Icing on the cake: the ferry crossing at Appels!

Dendermonde, the city where the Dender flows into the Scheldt, breathes history. Both the Sint-Alexiusbegijnhof with its 61 houses, the belfry and the giant katuit corridor are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage. You can also climb the belfry tower to discover a fascinating piece of history and enjoy the view. Don't leave here without tasting the local delicacy: Dendermondse kop on a slice of brown bread with a thin layer of mustard.

Junction 91-88 Oude Dender

In 1976, part of the Dender route was straightened for shipping. As a result, the mouth of the river in the Scheldt was located outside the center of Dendermonde. Since then, the Oude Dender has formed an idyllic water feature that connects the green edge with the heart of the city. It is relaxing walking along the statues along the banks. You can also enjoy from the water, with a rented kayak, pedalo or SUP board.

Node 88-87

The tide lock at the confluence of Dender and Scheldt dates from 1978 and regulates the flow of the Dender. Built to prevent the Scheldt water from flowing into the Dender at high tide, it protects the surrounding areas from flooding. The Dender itself is a typical rain river: in heavy rain the water level can rise quickly. Several locks keep the water level under control, such as a little further between Mespelare and Denderbelle.

Junction 81-27-29 Lower Derder Valley

Once out of Dendermonde, you can go for almost 5 km through the valley of the Dender, a varied river landscape with moist lakes, reed beds and pieces of forest. The old Dendermeanders bordered by pollard willows and the numerous canals and pools make the area popular terrain for water-loving plants, birds and insects. At high water levels, the meadows around the old Dendermeanders serve as a pot polder.

Junction 68-45 Paardeweide - 'T OUD BRUGHUYS

Along the Scheldt in Berlare you cycle through the Heidemeersen and the Paardenweide flood zone. About once a year, during a northwesterly storm, this area is flooded. The rest of the year you can enjoy authentic Scheldt nature here, with a patchwork of wet meadows, reeds, open water and alder forest. In the eastern part, numerous bird species breed on the reed islands.

Schoonaarde Brug, where in October 1914 there was a heavy battle against the advancing Germans, is a popular stop for cyclists. On the right bank, several eel restaurants serve the local delicacy, on the other side is the yellow café 't Oud Brughuys. This bicycle-friendly inn dates back to 1914 and, in addition to a beautiful view, also has a charging point for e-bikes and a map full of regional beers.

Junction 45-44

The Donkmeer, one of the top tourist attractions in East Flanders, is a remnant of the peat extraction along the old Scheldt meanders. Surrounded by taverns and terraces, it has been a hotspot for one-day or longer holidays for years. You can sail a boat, be transferred to the Duck Cage or sit down for a nice plate of eel at Elvira, one of the oldest restaurants in the area.

Recreation area Nieuwdonk offers numerous relaxation options for the whole family. So definitely remember for that next trip with the (grand)children! In the water sports pond you can swim, sail, surf, kayak and dive. For active daredevils there is a survival course in the surrounding forests. Hungry? For a quick snack you can go to brasserie De Zonnevallei, with a view of the beach and the playground.

Junction 44-46 Donkmeer

An absolute must on the Donkmeer, this place where tourists came half a century ago to settle down on the farmer's bushels of straw on the water. Gradually, 't Weiken grew into a summer bar avant-la-lettre, with beach chairs and accompanying umbrellas. You can have a drink with a view of the lake, or make your own picnic soldier.

Junction 72-73 Grace forests and Berlare Broek

Just like the Donkmeer, the Berlare Broek nature reserve arose from the historic meanders of the Scheldt. In the 70s it was full of poplars from a match factory. In between are swamps and more than 50 ponds. The nearby Grace Forests were part of a large and extensive forest until the 18th century. They owe their name to the gang of crooks who were active here, robbing unsuspecting passers-by 'without grace or mercy'.

Junction 76 TAVERNE HET VEERHUIS

You can bridge the waiting time at the ferry with a regional beer in tavern Het Veerhuis, once voted the toughest café in Flanders. The sandwiches of the house are also not to be missed! In 1971, this former ferry house of the ferryman served as the location for the film adaptation of Stijn Streuvels' book "De disappointment van de waterhoek".

Junction 76 VEER BERLARE-APPELS

About three kilometers past the Donkmeer you make the crossing with the ferry Berlare-Appels, one of the 12 foot and bicycle springs that are so typical of Scheldeland. It is said to date back to the mid-13th century and is also considered the oldest. The boat leaves every half hour, except at 12:30, when the ferryman goes for lunch.