Waasmunster, between Durme and E17

Appointment at the village church of Waasmunster (V). There is plenty of parking space on the Dorpsplein. Waasmunster is one of the oldest municipalities and perhaps the motherland of the Waasland. The 15th-century parish church is dedicated to Our Lady, to St. Peter and St. Paul. Walk from the church to the left in the Kerkstraat until the N446. Cross the N446 or Abdij van Roosenberglaan and walk into Dam Square. At the end of the cobblestone road, go straight on an overgrown/overgrown path, carefully climb on the dike and walk to the left along the cycle path on top of the Durmedijk. The Durme is a tidal river and on the freshwater marshes between the reed collars and the water willows, giant balsam, fireweed and cattail, among others, thrive. Special marsh birds such as bluethroat and small karekite feel at home in the reed collars. After 1 km you will pass the nature reserve de Rietsnijderij 1 . Here the spindotter flower blooms en masse in April. After another 1 km, walk left down the dike and continue for 250 m, just past a beautiful lake, to the left on a narrow path (sign with blue triangle). Turn right on the wide gravel road. After 300 m, cross the concrete road and walk straight ahead in the Potaardestraat. Cross the Nijverheidslaan 700 m further and go straight on in the Koningin Astridstraat. At the T-junction, walk to the left in the Fortenstraat. You come here in the center of the Heide district. After a few hundred meters you can go to a few tavern restaurants on the right for a drink and a drink. On the left you see Heidepark, a youth accommodation centre of Chirojeugd Vlaanderen. 30 m past the crossroads is the Heidekapel 2 on the left. The current chapel, consecrated in 1643 and protected since 1971, is mainly connected to the Heikewipommegang that takes place here, and which since 1351, annually on March 25, feast day of the Annunciation.

Return to your steps and walk left into the Lode Ontropdreef. At the crossroads, turn left (sign Reynaertroute zuid). Then leave the Lucien Reychlerlaan on the left and walk to the right in the Sinaaistraat. Walk straight ahead and ignore all side streets until the asphalt stops and turns into an earth road. Go straight ahead; the noise of the E17 will soon blow against you. Turn left and stay on the narrow path above and along the ramp of the E17 to the N446. Cross the busy N446 (carefully!) and walk straight ahead on a dirt road in the forest edge along the E17 exit. The contrast between the quiet forest on the left and the busy, noisy E17 on the right is very striking. After 300 m, turn left onto a dirt road and leave the noise of the highway behind you. Continue walking straight on until you reach the cobblestone road. In front of you is the entrance of the Roosenberg Abbey 3. This abbey, founded in 1237, was almost completely destroyed in the aftermath of the French Revolution. The current building dates from 1975 and houses 7 Marian Sisters of Saint Francis. It is now a place of reflection and museum. Walk straight on the earth road next to the entrance of the abbey. Via 2 pedestrian axles you reach a wide dirt road after 450 m. Go straight ahead (signs with red and with grey triangle). Turn left, ignore the exit on the right and walk straight ahead. After 300 m and 4 bends, turn right next to the forest edge (signs with red and orange triangle). 200 m further on the right is a Chapel of Our Lady with a few resting benches. The dirt road becomes gravel road and finally cobblestone road between the buildings. From here always straight ahead. In the vicinity of the town hall on the Vierschaar you will find drinking establishments. Another 400 m further you are at the church again.