This gps walking route goes through the De Kempen Forestry, along the Cartier heather, through forest and along the heathland in development. In De Kempen, on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium, civilization is far away with the exception of the short stretch next to the motorway. Sandy roads lead past fields and through endless forests. Where the pine forests give way, lies the large, quiet heath with drifting sand and swamps.
Distance: 10 km.
Time: 2h30.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: No.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: None.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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De Kempen forestry.
- A varied walk through diverse types of coniferous and deciduous forest and across the Cartierheide in the Brabant Kempen.
- On the Cartierheide, Napoleon left his mark. The forests were the territory of smugglers, and along the sandy paths walked peddlers carrying their goods in a basket on their backs.
- In the Kempen, on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium, the inhabited world feels far away. Sandy paths lead past fields and through endless forests. Where the coniferous forests give way, lies the vast silent heath with drifting sand and marshes.
- Across the Cartierheide winds the Dalems Stroompje stream. In spring, the white water crowfoot blooms here.
- On the heath, the slow worm and the smooth snake roam. They are absolutely not venomous.
- At dusk, the nightjar hunts along the forest edge. Its nickname is the Goatsucker. In the past, goats grazed on the heath and the nightjars swarmed around the animals to catch insects.
