Denouement in Haspengouw-West

This cycle route was drawn up on the well-known Limburg cycle route network. She explores the region around Herk-de-Stad. A lot of water on the way with the Schulens Meer, but also the fledgling Demer, the Herk, the Gete and the Velp.

1. Northwest Haspengouw - One of the great advantages of the node network is that you can determine in advance how long the route will be and that you can even make adjustments along the way. For my trip along the northern part I take as starting point 't Vloot on the Schulensmeer. The Schulensmeer is an artificially constructed lake with an area of 95 ha. It was created by the sand extraction for the construction of the A2 motorway. The area around it acts as a controlled flood zone to cope with the recurring flooding in the Demer river basin. The lake has since evolved into a center for non-motorized water sports and a breeding ground for numerous bird species. A cafeteria and the Nature Education & Tourist Reception Centre are located in 't Vloot. There is a brand new cycle path on the dike and the signs with number 314 are already waiting.
2. Silver Helmets -With your back to the fleet, take the cycle path on the left. I cycle between the Demer and the lake in the direction of the confluence with the Gete. At the bridge – junction 314 – I have to turn right, a bit along the road to Zelem until I reach the picturesque chapel of the Mother of Sorrows. Here I leave the road and dive into the valley of the Black Brook. This is the transition area between Haspengouw and hageland. Short slopes, lots of greenery and terraced plots bordered with the typical hawthorn hedges. Junction 315 is located near the Donkelhoeve. Continue the route in the direction of junction 357. On the left you get a view of the Sint-Jansberg monastery. It was owned by Carthusian monks for centuries, until the French plundered the monastery and expelled the monks. The building is now used for parties and conferences. Around the vast monastery domain I cycle back under the motorway to the region that gained fame with the Battle of the Silver Helmets. A battle that lasted only one day - August 12, 1914 - and in which the cavalry was deployed for the last time. Just after crossing the Zwarte Nete and the Demer you continue cycling to junction 350. On the agricultural road between junctions 350 and 351 there is a monument in memory of the battle and at junction 355 there is a museum with models, uniforms, weapons and other war material. Nearby you can also view the Rotem watermill. Only some rusted parts remain of the paddle wheel and the rest of the building is in the same lamentable condition. The tower with the living area has been partially restored, the mill building will follow later.
3. Olmenhof - From junction 354 to 352, the route runs together with the IJzerenwegroute and the LF 35 Hageland-Haspengouwroute over the former railway station. It is quiet cycling, far away from all motorized traffic. At regular distances there are wooden pavilions where you can take shelter or picnic. Just before Herk-de-Stad I cycle past the Olmenhof (tavern). The castle dates from the first half of the 19th century and is now used as a town hall. In the open courtyard are the coach house and the English parkland that was laid out around the castle. The numbered signs take you back to the Schulens Meer.