Hechtel-Eksel: Valley of the Dommel

View the photos of the walk

We did this beautiful junction walk in Hechtel-Eksel on 22-05-2022. We left at the 'Chapel of Our Lady Of Seven Woes' in the Sint Antoniusstraat, more known as the "Hoksent chapel".

The walk is very varied. Here and there she goes on paved roads. You can walk through the beautiful nature reserve Ortolaan. The weather was dry but when it rained it can sometimes be soggy. Good, waterproof footwear is recommended.

Nature and forest writes the following;

"Ortolan pear

This beautiful nature reserve owes its name to a medium-sized songbird, the ortolaan, a species that only occurs in small-scale nature and agricultural areas. The ortolaan has unfortunately disappeared from the area, just like in the rest of Flanders. With adapted management, we hope to welcome this songbird back one day.

The small-scale farming methods within these stream valleys are home to a wide variety of species. Europe also considers the stream valley landscape of the Dommel important, certain parts of it have been designated as an EU Birds Directive area, which means that extra attention must be paid to the conservation of rare bird species.

The Ortolaan is part of the Molhem-Hoksent hiking area. An ideal place for a relaxing and varied walk. Your four-legged friend can walk along on a leash. Source: natuurenbos.be"

Happy hiking,

Eddy, Rita and Prinske