Humbeek

Although it is only a stone's throw from Brussels, Humbeek is a very quiet place. It is pleasant to walk on both sides of the Brussels-Willebroek canal. At the height of Kapelle-op-den-Bos, you have to cross a bit of traffic to get to the other side of the canal. In the end, you walk through the beautiful 's-Gravenbos, a fairly untouched forest where you search for a forest chapel and an associated castle.
DEPARTURE POINT
You can reach the lock system in Humbeek by taking exit 7-Grimbergen on the Brussels ring road (R0) and then following the direction to Grimbergen. At the traffic light, cross the N211 along Beigem to Humbeek. When entering the center, keep slightly left (so not towards the church) and after 1 km you will reach the lock system. From Antwerp, take the A12 to exit 3-Meise and follow the N211 to Grimbergen. At the same traffic light, turn left towards Beigem and Humbeek and follow the instructions above.
PARKING
There are parking options on the left before the bridge at the Lourdes grotto.
TYPE OF PATH
Forest paths, field paths, dirt paths, and asphalt here and there; the 's-Gravenbos is often flooded in winter and the paths are then impassable.
ACCESSIBILITY
Impossible for strollers and wheelchairs.
INFORMATION
Tourism Grimbergen: Municipal office, Prinzenstraße 22, 1850 Grimbergen, Tel. 02 260 12 99, Fax 02 270 12 66, gemeentebestuur@grimbergen.be, www.grimbergen.be.
FOOD & DRINK
-Restaurant Vinoteca Nonna (at the Stoeterij of Humbeek near 's-Gravenkasteel): Warandestraat 140, 1851 Humbeek, Tel. 02 270 82 53 and 0475 56 79 55, Fax 02 270 82 54, guido.e@pandora.be, closed Mon.-Tue.
-Three cafés at the bridge of Kapelle-op-den-Bos.
-Café 't Schippershof: Vaartdijk 6, 1880 Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Tel. 015 71 34 78.
-Eetcafé Eldorado: Kerkstraat 251, Humbeek, closed Mon.-Tue., open after 4 PM on other days.