Geraardsbergen Bosberg 11.4km

Start walk: Bosberg Cafe El Faro Heirbaan 135 in 1570 Galmaarden distance 11.4 km

Nodes 618-12-10-27-11-29-33-40-39-38-34-32-619-30-618-

The Bosberg, one of the witness hills of the Flemish Ardennes, flirts with the magical boundary of 100 meters above sea level, the border of Flemish Brabant and East Flanders, in the Tuscany of Pajottenland and the inspiration source of Brueghel. The landscape intertwined between the Valley of Mark, the Bosberg (a term known to every cycling enthusiast), and the Raspaillebos, which is 100 ha large, is more than worth a walk.

On the slopes of the Bosberg, squeezed between the valleys of the Dender and the Mark, lies the Raspaillebos. The landscape combines the steep features of the Flemish Ardennes with the gentle undulations of Pajottenland. The numerous paths, sometimes winding through dense forests or broad, flower-rich avenues, and then again in the open landscape, invite you year-round to enjoy the colorful forest surroundings.

The Slow Down walks have been developed with one goal: to make you slow down in a world that sometimes races by at a scorching pace. But that doesn't mean your body should take it easy. A solid effort often helps you to get everything in order – or simply to let your thoughts roam free.

The first step is taken at the foot of the Bosberg. Here, you enter the fairytale-like Raspaillebos, where raptors build their nests in large numbers. It’s a beautiful piece of nature, with an incredibly diverse fauna and flora. You can hardly believe your eyes and are amazed by the amount of nature sounds that waft around you here.

Education + nature = De Helix

Now that you are enjoying the surroundings to the fullest, you of course also stop by the nature education center De Helix. It is located in the quiet area and has one mission: to bring us closer to nature. And to stimulate sustainability in a creative way.

At the center, three exhibitions are continuously running: "Environment and Health", "Silence and Sound" & "Open Map. Region under the microscope". From here, you can start fun bike rides and walks. There are themed walks and activities for young and old. Don't forget to take a stroll in the freely accessible garden. You’ll learn a lot!

Wishing you much walking pleasure, Emiel Peeters