Along the Zwalmbeek walking route
Route description
From old folk pubs serving Leuven stew to top-notch gastronomy, you'll never go hungry or thirsty in the Zwalm Valley. Add to that the idyllic landscape with miniature valleys and water mills, and you're set for a circuit brimming with culinary and other delights.
Starting point De Zwalmmolen
Where better to start this hike than at the Zwalmmolen (mill), a stunning example of engineering heritage nestled in the verdant Zwalm Valley? Until the early 20th century, this was a double mill, where not only grain but also linseed, corn and tobacco were processed, among other things. In 2010, the mill was restored to its former working glory and equipped with a small hydropower plant. It's possible to visit the mill, by appointment only.
Streekpunt Zwalm
Don't forget to check out the former lockkeeper's house, which has housed the tourist office for the Zwalm region and the Flemish Ardennes since 2016. You'll find a whole load of tourist publications, as well as regional and farm products.
Node 1 - 94 Zwalmbeek
From the Zwalmmolen, you first stroll some 700 meters along the Zwalm, the stream that winds its way from its source in the Brakelbos to its mouth in the Scheldt. Barely 22 kilometers long, it has quite a steep drop, which explains the numerous water mills dotted about - including on its tributary streams. Some are still in operation (or have been restored), while others have been converted into cozy pubs. Soon, from checkpoint 10, you'll follow the path along the water again.
Node 66 Roborst
If you choose the Fonteinstraat at checkpoint 66, you will enter the village centre of Roborst: an absolute gem. This is where organic watercress is grown, the only place in Flanders!. The pure water in which this small-leaved vegetable grows comes from a spring near the Fontienstraat and, thanks to its mineral composition, is ideally suited for growing crops.
Node 60 SINT-MARGARETHA CHAPEL
Where the beautifully restored St. Margaretha Chapel now stands, a place of worship of Ghent's St. Pieter's Abbey stood as early as the 11th century. You can still see the abbey's coat of arms in the cemetery wall. The listed chapel and surrounding grounds are highly coveted for wedding and communion photos. To the right of the chapel is a pillory from 1775.
Further out in the fields you will see the Vinkemolen, a grinding post windmill that you can visit every year on Open Monument Day.
Node 10 Ter Biestmolen
The proceeds from this mill used to go to the Abbey of Ename. The pub in the mill is closed for the time being, but on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, you can visit the weekend bar of Hofstede ter Biest, the B&B in the farmhouse and the miller's house, for a drink.
Node 5 Little Switzerland
This former lock keeper's house owes its name to the imaginative lock keeper of old. The lock keeper was so enamoured with this idyllic spot, he called it "Little Switzerland". There is even a sign with the distance to the real Switzerland: 515 km. At least until the end of September, stretched out in the grass, in the hammock or in the beach chair, you can enjoy local and often organic produce here every weekend at OHNE's Bosbar, one of the first low-waste cafes in East Flanders. After that, the fairy house will be closed for a while for renovations.
Ijzerkotmolen
Head towards Ijzerkotmolen (mill) and immerse yourself in a long history. In fact, the oldest mention of a mill at this spot dates as far back as 1412. The original mill on the left bank has since gone, but the historic building remained intact and now houses a bakery with a cozy little tavern with terrace. They are open on weekends for a sweet treat, a regional beer or a Trappist beer, a bowl of fresh soup or - for those with larger appetites - a croque-monsieur or a homemade sandwich. On the right bank stands the impressive 18th century grain mill. Since 2021, the mill has been once again operational, as a commercial mill supplying flour for bakeries and private individuals. The mill wheel is freely accessible; the mill itself can be viewed upon request.
De mooiste wandelingen langs water
5 wandelroutes langs verborgen plekjes
6 x wandelen langs bijzondere monumenten
De mooiste herfstwandelingen van Oost-Vlaanderen
