Listening posts bike route loop 2

At five special locations in Wuustwezel, five listening posts tell a story of landscape evolution. By 'turning the wheel,' the history of these areas comes back to life, and you will look at the landscape with new eyes in the future. The listening posts are connected by two cycling loops but can also be accessed by car up to 20 meters away. Each listening post has an information board with photos and a QR code. By scanning the codes, you will be redirected to additional information about the areas.

A first listening post is proudly standing near the current library, also the starting point of both cycling loops. The wild heathlands that characterized the area around the Gasthuishoeves in the 13th century were transformed into fertile lands where crops were grown and animals were raised.

A second listening post can be found at the Bailey Bridge in Het Marum. It is hard to believe that this area was inhabited by a small community in the 16th century. After the depopulation during the Eighty Years' War, the heath regained ground, and spontaneous reforestation increased rapidly.

If you continue along the road to Loenhout, you will come across another listening post. The hamlets of Popendonk, Terbeek, and De Munt used to consist mainly of coniferous forests and heath and were owned by large landowners in the 16th century. Gradually, these lands were sold to farmers, leading to the emergence of small agricultural enterprises, which over the centuries evolved the area into a prosperous agricultural region.

From here, you cycle back via junctions to the starting point at the Gasthuishoeves.

Departure and arrival: Dorpsstraat 36, 2990 Wuustwezel

Signage: cycling junctions