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Moretus Forest

  • Author: TrailExplorer

Moretus forest

Walk for those who love forest walks. From the Ravenhof estate you walk in the direction of the Dutch Moretusbos, which is part of the Brabantse Wal. You return through the Stoppelbergen and the old park forest.

Distance: 13.5 km.

Time: 3h30.

Grade: Moderate.

Type: Circular.

Gps Track: Yes.

Route description: No.

Wheelchair: Not suitable.

Dog: Allowed.

Height gain: Flat.

Trail: 97% unpaved.

Marking: None.

Hiking shoes recommended.

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Ravenhof.

From 1760, the Ravenhof estate became the summer residence of Balthazar Moretus III, scion of the well-known Antwerp printer family. From the Ravenhof Castle you walk over a man-made dike to the Huzarenberg. The Huzarenberg or Trapkesberg used to be a strategic point for the hussars, who were stationed here when Napoleon's men passed by. You continue in the direction of the old park forest Ravenhof, but you turn to continue into the Moretus forest via winding forest paths and forest roads. At the Stoppelbergen you return past the Koude Heide and the Geldberg. In this mountain, Esquire Moretus is said to have buried his money. Digging makes no sense. Hundreds of gold miners have been ahead of you without finding a penny. You do have a nice view over the fields from this hill. The route continues through the old park forest Ravenhof. The park forest dates from 1761 and is one of the oldest forests in West Brabant. Some parts are 250 years old with monumental oak and beech. It was built in a late baroque style by the poverty-stricken population of Putte and Stabroek on behalf of the squire Moretus. The area, which originally consisted of poor drifting dunes, was transformed into a rich forest full of songbirds. It is a real park forest with straight lines, geometric shapes, avenues, vistas and a monumental tea house, the Gloriëtte. The Gloriëtte was built in 1768 in rococo style. From the tea house you walk in the direction of the Kasteek Ravenhof, the end point.

Ravenhof
Map & Poi's.