Zwartven/Mariaveld/ Blauwbossen/Smisselbergen/ de Rooy / Wilderdseheidepad

This is a GPS image from 17 May 2020 and linked to ( https://www.routeyou.com/nl-be/route/view/7022224/wandelroute/blauwbossen-smisselbergen-markvaleipad-corona-route-vanuit-meerle Which is a bit longer and more % paved and does not offer the possibility to walk through a cherry farm . ) When you arrive at walking junction 67 and the black gate is open you can turn left after a bit the path turns to the right and you go past a few houses and walk further out of the grove once back on the pavement keep left from there you would normally have come from the right and you can continue again. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S CHERRY TIME, THE GATE WILL BE CLOSED AND THAT'S THANKS TO PEOPLE WHO CAN'T STAY AWAY FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S STUFF

The Blauwbossen is located on several longer and shorter hiking trails that cross the Noorderkempen, such as the Markvalleipad, the Smisselbergenroute and the Sint-Bernardus path. in the meantime, the Rooy and Smisselbergen of nauurpunt have been added and also the Wildese Heidepad and around and over the Kleiputten

The brick industry has also clearly left its mark in this region, as evidenced by the many 'clay pits'. The image of the Noorderkempen has changed considerably in the course of the nineteenth century. Government policy at the time focused on cultivating the "wild" lands. With modern agricultural techniques, many heathlands were systematically converted into agricultural land. In other places, (mostly) coniferous trees were planted on a large scale for the timber mill.

It had made little difference if the Blauwbossen domain had come into private hands to be destined and transformed into a golf course. By purchasing this beautiful domain forest, vzw Kempens Landschap, together with the city of Hoogstraten, has managed to prevent this. The area could be preserved for the community and has since been opened to the public.

De Blauwbossen is located in Minderhout, part of Hoogstraten, near the border with the Netherlands. The approx. 15 ha domain consists of a beautiful mixed forest with species such as beech, birch, Scots pine and pedunculate oak. Wide hiking trails and a deep canal system run through the area.