Tielt-Winge, nature and heritage between the Vlooyberg tower and the Ralisbroek

This fairly short walk of 4.5 kilometers is an ideal trip to enjoy or get to know the Hageland. It was developed in collaboration with vzw Het Stenen Huis and the Hagelandgidsen. On this route you get to see it all: centuries-old rolling fields, cool trouser forests in the valley of the Winge, high witness hills on a plinth of iron sandstone with beautiful panoramas, mysterious hollow roads, an old tram bed, and above all some gems of architectural heritage such as the old rectory and the Stone House. The Vlooyberg tower, icon of the Hageland, is already worth a separate visit. In every season the walk has something to offer, but optimal is the period between April and November, when nature grows and blooms or fades away with beautiful colors.

Start and end point
We chose the start and end point of the walking loop for the old presbytery of Optielt, also known by many as Huize Hageland.

Parking facilities
There is ample parking space at the old rectory. There are no specific car parks elsewhere on the route.

Public transport
Bus stops that are not so far from the route are Tielt-Winge 'Bruin Kruis' on the Diestse Steenweg, 380 meters from the Oude Leuvensesteenweg and Tielt-Winge "Blerebergstraat", 400 meters from the Vlooyberg tower.

Route information
The full loop is only 4.5 kilometers. The level of difficulty is rather limited outside of a climb from the old rectory to the Vlooyberg tower.

About the trail
Although part of the trail consists of paved roads, this is certainly made up for by the quiet surroundings and the unpaved paths. Only the part of 400 meters along the Heuvelstraat is a typical concrete road with ribbon buildings. But that too is a Hageland phenomenon and it is a fascinating example of rural habitation since the interwar period.
The paths and roads are easily accessible. For strollers it is certainly possible, but then it is best to avoid the Ralisbroek in a very wet period.

Something for kids?
In itself, because of the limited route with great variation, this is already a perfect family walk. At the old rectory there is the Kabouterbos and there is room to play. Gnome walks are regularly organized here. If you want to organize a children's activity, please contact Tourism Tielt-Winge (016/46 82 73).

Want to rest?
On the route there are some places where there is a rest bench. There are plenty of them at the old rectory, but you can also find them on the Pastoor van Slagmolenpad, at the Vlooyberg tower and at the beginning of the Ralisbroek.

Food and drink
There is no catering along the route. For that you have to go a few kilometers further to the village centers. Especially in the Sint-Joris-Winge along the stone road or at the Golden Crossroads there are opportunities to both eat and drink.

Want to know more about Tielt-Winge?
There is a tourist office in the Community Centre De Maere Leuvensesteenweg 187, 3390 Tielt-Winge.