Gent Day Tripper

Exploring the Scheldt Valley

23.5 km

If anyone thought that Ganda is another word for ham, they are mistaken. Ganda comes from Celtic and means something like 'confluence'. The cradle of Ghent once stood at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers. This is where the walk begins. By following the Scheldt downstream, one quickly comes across surprising natural spots. On one hand, there are the nature reserves of Gentbrugse Meersen and Damvallei. On the other hand, in Heusden and Destelbergen, the former 'landscape park' has been well preserved. These villages have exerted a certain attraction for prominent families from Ghent for centuries, who wanted to build a castle or 'house of joy'. At the end of the walk, one crosses a piece of world heritage: the Great Beguinage of Sint-Amandsberg.