Kluis Forest walking route

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Kluis Forest walking route

Length
6,5 km
Time
1u 20m
Terrain
58% Verhard

Torendreef, 9690 Kluisbergen

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Wandelknooppuntenbord

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Route description

This rather challenging circuit through one of the showpieces of the Flemish Ardennes is the hiking classic of the region. Fully two-thirds of the 300-acre Kluis Forest is freely accessible for hiking. In spring, large areas of the forest turn purple thanks to the thousands of wood hyacinths that come into bloom: it's a colourful spectacle that attracts a lot of visitors.

Starting point

Enclus du Haut

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A few meters from starting checkpoint 7, you'll come across a hamlet called 'Enclus du Haut'. A little further up is the Maison des Randonneurs (the Hikers' House), a wood and glass structure where hikers can find tourist information as well as temporary exhibitions by local artists.

Giants

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If you park in the Kluisbos car park just off junction 7, you immediately stumble across one of the three forest giants that have recently taken up residence in the Kluisbos. Their names are Liedericq, l'Ermite and Prince Salvaert de Dijon, and they refer to legends from the region's past. 

Want to see the other two giants too? Then climb the steps at the giant in the car park and continue along the path until you reach The Tower, where you will find the second one. The third giant can be found by going down the Enclus du Haut road from De Toren.

Knooppunt 7 - 33

KLUIS FOREST

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The 300-hectare Kluis Forest lies at the top of the witness hill Kluisberg, one of the showpieces of the Flemish Ardennes, standing 141 metres high. Fully two-thirds of it is freely accessible for hiking. When you come across clearings, you'll have fantastic views across Hainaut.

In spring, large areas of the forest turn purple thanks to the thousands of wood hyacinths that come into bloom: it's a colourful spectacle that attracts a lot of visitors, to the great satisfaction of the many cafes and restaurants who are ready to revive hungry and thirsty recreationists.

Node 2

Liefdesbron

The so-called 'love spring' is an idyllic spot to pause for a while. According to legend, you'll find love within the year if you step barefoot in the water. The spring is one of many zones in the forest where groundwater runs into the underlying clay layers before making its way to the surface. Crystal clear streams well up from the springs, with beautiful and colourful flora all around them.

Node 53

Bosbaar

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bosbĀĀr is a wonderful place to stop for a regional beer or hearty snack. What started as a summer pop-up has grown into a popular spot where it's also great to hang out by the fire pits on the terrace during cold Sundays in winter. Owners Stijn and Sylvie are converting the former farmhouse into a lovely B&B.

Node 53

LANGUAGE BORDER

At checkpoint 53, not only do you cross the Torendreef but also the language border and the provincial border. A little further up, you end up on Rue la Cavée, an ecologically important hollow road that descends from the hamlet of Hortilin to Amougies. From here, you overlook the rolling hills of the Pays des Collines.

Node 7

Aux Acasias

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Back in Enclus du Haut, it's time to take a seat at the table in one of the many taverns. A firm favourite is Aux Acacias, where you can go for a pancake as well as a full-fledged lunch or a croque monsieur cooked in butter to treat yourself. The children can burn off some energy in the Bosuil play area, where natural play equipment made of sustainable wood will stimulate their imagination.

End point

Enclus Du Haut