#16. The Vinne

Discover how Flanders strengthens open space for agriculture, nature and forest. Step by step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forest.

During this walk you will be introduced to the spatial implementation plan RUP Vinne-Galgenveld. Discover also the other walks of 'Step by Step'.

The RUP Vinne-Galgenveld was drawn up in parallel with the nature development project for the Vinne, whereby the natural lake was restored and the nature destinations expanded through large-scale development works in the period 2004-2005. South of the Vinne, the RUP removed 25 ha of the Galgenveld industrial area provided for in the regional plan.

The original and only natural lake in Flanders was drained in 1841 for agricultural purposes and later planted in 1930 by the Union Allumetière with poplars for the match industry. Pumps kept the area — which is lower than the Kleine Gete — dry all along. The Little Vinne is the depression that connects the Vinne Depression with the valley of the Kleine Gete.

The province of Flemish Brabant has owned the domain since 1974. At the former pumping station, a tourist hub has been developed with a visitor center.

The hike in short. Before the entrance of the provincial domain, take the Vinnebeekstraat and first walk to the valley of the Kleine Gete. Cross the Kleine Gete and a little further also the parallel Vloedgracht and walk through the area of the Melkwezer land consolidation in an arc around Zoutleeuw until you reach the IJzeren Weg. Follow this old railway route to the left until the 310 junction and turn left. Walk right past the cemetery of Zoutleeuw and a little further you step into Het Vinne. Walk along the boardwalk along the southern edge of the lake. You leave the domain again a little further and walk along the Zwartaardebos and the Muggenberg to the hamlet of Ossenweg. Go straight ahead at the chapel and go via the cobblestone roads Lindeweg and Pijpestraat through the open agricultural area to the Heerbroek and finally back to the entrance of the provincial domain. Just before the end you pass another striking motte, the Kastelberg.

Find out more:

RUP Vinne-Gallows Field

Did you like this? Discover also the other walks of 'Step by Step to more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forest'.

(The routes were mapped out with the necessary care. Do you notice a mistake or do you have any suggestions for improvement? Let us know via agnas@vlaanderen.be)