Molenbeek Valley-Gaasbeek Castle Parks and Groenenberg-in Pajottenland

The Molenbeek Valley - castle parks Gaasbeek and Groenenberg in Pajottenland. Loop walking 23.5 km - counterclockwise.

Hiking crossroads GPS Coordinates: N50°49'53.2' E4°14'3.4''

Route description:

Follow Plankenstraat westward and keep left and continue along the Kerkweg. This continues under the large viaduct, with its 17 arches and takes us via the Kerselaere veldweg to the IJzerbergstraat at the walking junction (KP) 723. Follow IJsberg on the left until you reach the Roomstraat. We take the footpath on the right in the extension of the Roomstraat. We find the path between the horse pastures and walk with the Watermolenbeek on the right side. a visit to the natal orchard above the Molenbeek brings us to the watermill -724- and along the stream at-197-746-198-199-(19)-195-194-109-189-181-182-108-107-106-105-10-120—119-102-103-temporarily follow the direction of118. Continue following the Losgatstraat at the bridge (over the Molenbeek). At the house (Losgatstraat No. 7) follow the country road on the right to KP -11-(village of Gaasbeek)- 111-(entrance to the castle park) van Gaasbeek-124-126-730-direction kp-129 through the Groenenberg estate. Leave the park area via KP 730 and continue left towards 729-728-727 direction (726) straight until you reach Pedestraat. Follow left until the second road on the right: Enkelenberg. We follow to-718-719-(Spontaneous Enthusiasm)!- KP-720 and continue following the Herdebeekstraat to the parking lot of the Sint-Anna chapel. A beautiful walk that requires good walking condition due to the distance and terrain.

The peculiarities of this walk are on the one hand the Molenbeek valley in its jagged route through Pajottenland and on the other hand the two castle parks that rise above this valley. The typical spring groves that can be seen here and there in the wet valley are striking. Bubbling groundwater, resulting in wet trees. An example of spontaneous natural creation. Opposite are the castle parks. English landscape parks have been built on the European continent since the early 19th century (with Louis Philippe Vilain XIIII in Basel as a precursor. These landscaped parks of "natural" appearance with water features as mirrors of the landscape with specific tree species such as swamp cypresses and exotic greenery such as Japanese Aucuba. The unobstructed views inside these parks should also emphasize their grandiose character. Winding paths and ridges are also an essential part of it. In fact, it is a reaction against the elegant garden architecture that mainly characterizes the previous period. But make no mistake, this architecture was not born spontaneously. Pure calculation of the effects by the designer and unpacking with pageantry and splendor for the client in front of his guests.