For the "Bike and Hiking Tour of the Month," a project by Landelijke Gilden (www.landelijkegilden.be), which started in January 2018, we head to the eastern edge of the Flemish-Brabant capital Leuven and flirt, with a view of the city, with a well-known region, the Hageland.

Virtually all the routes on this 38 km long bike tour are car-free or equipped with good bike paths. You mostly travel along quiet roads, through fields, along waterways, and pass several small village centers. You will be surprised at how beautiful the landscape is in this quite urbanized region. However, now and then you will need to cross a busy main road. Do this carefully!

Along the way, you will pass various dining establishments. You can also bring your own picnic and rest at one of the many small playgrounds in Kessel-Lo or at another quiet spot. Do you have time for a longer break? Then visit the visitor center of Hageland Wine in Wezemaal or stop at the provincial domain in Kessel-Lo. A real insider tip, especially for those traveling with children.

You can start this route at several points. There are parking options in Wezemaal and Kortrijk-Dutsel at the village square, in Wijgmaal near the church and the Ymeria sports hall, or in Korbeek-Lo at the church and at Café Het Buurthuis. We decided to start at the provincial domain in Kessel-Lo. There you can park your car (for a fee) in parking lot 3 (Holsbeeksesteenweg). There is also a large bike parking area, including a charging station for e-bikes. About 50 meters further in the domain are public restrooms. At the end of your bike tour, you can relax on the cozy terrace of 'In de rozenkrans' and have a bite to eat. Or you can stop at the cafeteria de Stille Waters, which can be found in the provincial domain.

This route is based on a bike route of the Ronde van Leuven. This recreational bike tour takes place every year on the last Sunday in August. It gives cyclists the opportunity to explore the beautiful region around Leuven by bike. Along the way, there are several stops providing (musical) entertainment, snacks, and drinks. For more information about this bike event, visit www.rondevanleuven.be. Also discover our other recreational offerings at www.defietsop.be.