About the Kempen Heath

The first mention of the word Kempen (as Campinia) is found in the description of the life of St. Trudo from the year 1055. Stephelinus, a monk from Sint-Truiden, wrote at that time: 'In the region of Taxandria lies Campinia, consisting of extensive plains burned by the heat of the sun and entirely unsuitable for humans.' Today, 'Kempen' is the name for an area that extends through parts of the Flemish provinces of Antwerp and Limburg as well as the Dutch province of North Brabant. When comparing the present landscape with that of a few centuries ago, it quickly becomes clear what humans have done with the landscape they have been allowed to use. Compared to the 18th century, there has been a significant decline in forested areas, but the predominantly green character has been preserved.
Since the soil here is relatively poor, there has been little interest in carrying out large-scale developments. The fact that the Groot Schietveld is a military area also contributed to the preservation of the landscape. The Groot Schietveld and its sister Klein Schietveld are the main green zones around which this cycling route leads. They are considered one of the last remnants of the heath landscape that once dominated the Antwerp Kempen.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Bicycle junction network Province of Antwerp.

SAFETY
Relatively safe route. Nevertheless, pay attention when crossing busy roads at four locations. 50% traffic-free.

QUALITY OF THE ROAD
With the exception of some pieces of earth, almost everywhere paved roads.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
De Gasthuishoeve, Dorpsstraat 36, Wuustwezel.

INFORMATION
Tourism Wuustwezel, De Gasthuishoeve, Dorpsstraat 36, 2990 Wuustwezel, 03 690 46 40, toerisme@wuustwezel.be, www.wuustwezel.be.

Tourism Office, Mudaeusstraat 2, 2960 Brecht, 03 313 68 44, info@toerismebrecht.be, www.toerismebrecht.be.

Tourism Province of Antwerp, König Elisabethlei 16, 2000 Antwerp, 03 240 63 73, www.tpa.be.

BICYCLE RENTAL
Aerts Action Bike, Kapellensteenweg 394, Kalmthout, 03 666 97 01, info@aertsactionbike.be, www.aertsactionbike.be.

Camping De Groene Linden, Schotensteenweg 64, Brecht, 03 636 08 16, degroenelinden@pandora.be.

EATING AND DRINKING
Tavern 't Dorp, Dorpsstraat 111, 2990 Wuustwezel, 4 03 663 33 20.

You will also find various dining establishments in the vicinity of junction 37, along the Bredabaan in Maria-ter-Heide.