The Merode walking network treats you to 500 kilometers of walking pleasure. We keep it modest with a beautiful walk of 13 kilometers through two nature reserves. We start in Westerlo.

Text and photo Mark Dedapper

The municipality of Westerlo, self-proclaimed 'pearl of the Kempen', is inextricably linked to the noble family de Merode, to whom Westerlo has belonged since 1484, and where the family has lived uninterrupted ever since. You will explore the wet areas of Trichelbroek and Varendonk and walk along the banks of the Grote Nete and the Laak, through stately avenues and oak forests. You will follow the junctions (KP) of the Merode walking network. The 62 ha large forest of Varendonk was until 2003 a private hunting ground of the de Merode family. Along the way, in the hamlet of Varendonk, you will pass the former smallest town hall of Belgium, located in an old chapel dating back to the mid-17th century.

Pasar 2021/3 – Last route check 2021/1

The route

Departure from parking Denis Voetsstraat (V). Bus: 306 Leuven-Geel (stop Westerlo de Merodedreef). From the bus stop southwards, towards the village, to the street (Point A) – turn left to KP16. From the parking, take the northeast street parallel to Merodedreef and at Point A, follow the signs straight ahead to KP16. You reach KP16 at the Grote Markt (1) next to the war monument and a beautiful protected tree. Keep straight through the small street between the bank and café to KP131. Keep straight to KP19. Turn left along the Grote Nete (2) to KP18 and KP213 in succession. Turn right over the bridge over the Grote Nete to KP41. Turn left towards KP323. Note: at KP323 (a somewhat hidden sign on your right), take the dirt road left to KP330 (stone road). Cross the road and turn right. 150 m further, take the path left to KP44, where you turn left towards KP325. Turn right towards KP326 through an oak avenue. You enter the nature reserve Trichelbroek (3) and continue along the Grote Laak (4). At KP326, turn right over a small bridge to KP152 – follow the signs well. At KP152 (intersection of avenues), turn right to KP44. Turn left towards KP324 – again, cross the stone road, keep straight and after 50 meters turn right. 200 m further along the Varendonksesteenweg, you will notice on your left the 'smallest town hall of Belgium' (5). Keep straight and past house no. 55, take the field path left to KP324. Here, turn left towards KP318 – be careful: in a bend of the road to the left, you go straight across a dirt road. 125 m further, turn right to KP318. You will enter the Varendonk nature reserve. At KP318, take a narrow path through the forest to KP371, which we reach past a closure gate. Keep straight towards KP24 - over a small bridge turn left. At KP24 (intersection of paths), turn right to KP23. Turn left (concrete road) to KP22, which you will reach after 150 m. Turn right to KP132 - you will come to a beautiful avenue lined with beeches. Keep straight to KP13 – here you will see on your right the ‘Trammeke’ (6), a special lock system built in 1874 (see information board). Cross the Netebrug straight to KP19 – on the left through the greenery, you can see the castle de Merode (7). Further on, keep straight to KP131 and KP16 in succession. You are back at the Grote Markt (1) in Westerlo. Now follow the directions KP20 to point A, where you turn right to the bus and straight to the parking.