18/11/2021
In the valley of the Merkske, along heathland and fens of the Noordenkempen. Oak drifts of red, yellow and brown draw stripes through the Root Colony. Occasionally we jump across the border with the Netherlands along the winding river course of the Merkske over wooden bridges and boardwalks and sometimes a marshy meadow. The area was officially declared a quiet area;

Various walks are offered such as: Bootjsven and Beemden (11 km); Heritage walk (6 km); Nature walk (9.6 km) but this GPS walk (can also be followed with junctions) is a combination of all walks and 80% unpaved. The Dutch nodes only have a different color but connect to the Belgian nodes.
Parking is possible at the visitor center de Klapekster, Colony 41 in Wortel, for mobile homes take the second part of the parking, also paved but not illuminated and it is tolerated to spend the night. Start is junction 1 and is located on the corner of Kolonie and Staakheuvel.
The article of 'Vallei van het Merkske' can be read in NATURE. SEPTEMBER / October/November 2018 MAGAZINE