In the triangle between Brussels, Mechelen, and Leuven lies the Silsombos. A beautiful nature reserve that is part of ‘The Green Valley,’ a complex of natural areas in this otherwise densely populated region.

Text and photo by Eddy Vlyminck

The Silsombos is especially recommended in the spring. Besides the first spring flowers, you can find no less than seven species of orchids here! Especially in June, when the forest orchid blooms profusely, the forest is at its most beautiful. Only the sound of an airplane flying overhead occasionally reminds you that we are just a stone's throw from our national airport. It is a very marshy area, where the necessary boardwalks ensure that the wettest parts can be traversed without too many problems. However, after a period of rainfall, it is essential to take the walk with sturdy footwear. Throughout the entire walk, we use the hiking junctions as a guide.

Pasar 2021/4 - Last route check 2021/2

Start at the church of Nederokkerzeel, Peperstraat 125 (V). Public transport: bus 271 (Brussels-Kortenberg-Kampenhout). Facing the church, walk along the right side, towards KP 108. At KP 108 turn right to KP 86. A concrete path that is also used by cyclists. At KP 86, turn right towards KP 85. At a fork, near a tennis hall, turn left. Continue to follow KP 85. Just past the barrier, turn right, still towards KP 85. In this very moist section, you will find the first boardwalks. At a T-junction, where the local GR (yellow-red signs) also divides, turn left. Continue to KP 85. At KP 85 (1), turn left to KP 89. Diagonally to the right, you can see the church tower of Erps-Kwerps. Further down, at the fork, turn right towards KP 89. At a shed on the right, turn left. Continue to follow KP 89 past an open area. After a muddy forest passage, you walk past several houses through an open field to KP 89. At KP 89, turn right towards KP 800. At a meadow, turn left and shortly after, turn right, still towards KP 800. You pass through a wooded area and reach built-up areas again. Walk past the Silsomhof (2) and at the T, turn left. A bit further, at house number 51, turn right. At the next T, turn right and this way you reach KP 800. Turn left to KP 804. After crossing a road, you come to a double concrete path on the other side. You reach inhabited areas where you zigzag through. At a roundabout, near house number 16, turn left of the gate. You walk past a riding school. Continue to follow KP 804. At the end of Donkerstraat, turn right. This way you reach the Heersemmolen (3) on the Molenbeek. Past the mill buildings, you reach KP 804. Turn left to KP 805. Follow this paved road until you reach a beauty institute in a bend. A little further you reach KP 805. Here turn left to KP 806. You walk again on an unpaved road next to the Molenbeek. Follow the Molenbeek to KP 806. At this little bridge, turn right to KP 110. At the next gate, turn right. Always heading towards KP 110. A bit further, turn left, follow the ‘Blauwen Draaiboomwegel’ and so you reach KP 110. Here turn left, towards KP 109. You walk past Castle ‘Ter Balkt’ (4). Originally, this was a farm with a water mill on the Molenbeek. Just beyond the castle grounds, turn left onto Reisemstraat. At KP 109, follow towards KP 108. Near Kwikborre, a slow road, turn left. Eventually, you reach KP 108. Here towards KP 100 and soon you will reach the church of Nederokkerzeel again.