Saleghem hiking route
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Saleghem hiking route
- Length
- 7,8 km
- Time
- 1u 32m
- Terrain
- 45% Verhard
Groenendijkstraat , 9170 Meerdonk
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Extended route description
Water is never far away along this route. Polder roads and dikes lead you through a landscape that was partly sculpted by the sea, even if man lent a hand. Beneath the clay soil that was added is a lot of history, and the creeks and wheels are its silent witnesses.
W-resting point
Sint-Gillis-Waas
Dronography
Sint-Gillis-Waas
Dronography
Between nodes 93 and 94, you bump into a W-resting point. It is one of the artistic rest and viewing points in the shape of the W of walking and Waasland, which you can come across here and there in the region. Here you can take a breather, picnic, enjoy the view, and read information about the immediate surroundings.
Den Ouden Hof
You start at Den Ouden Hof. This tavern has everything you need to head home with a full stomach after an invigorating hike. There are gourmet options for both slightly peckish and more hungry individuals, with regional dishes and seasonal suggestions. In the afternoon, you can also indulge in fresh waffles and pancakes. Address: Turfbankenstraat 18, 9170 Meerdonk.
Turfbankenpolder
Peat, used over the centuries as a cheap fuel, used to be extracted here during the summer when the water in the polders was low. It was packed in large clumps, dried and shipped by flat boats to the cities. Subsequent floods filled the peat pits with clay, and a piece of heritage was lost underground forever. Even now, many place names in the area refer to the peat cutters of yesteryear.
Sint-Jacobsgat
Sint-Jacobsgat
David Samyn
Sint-Jacobsgat
David Samyn
Sint-Jacobsgat
David Samyn
Sint-Jacobsgat
David Samyn
Walking along the Krekeldijk, you'll pass the pleasant Sint-Jacobsgat (St. James' Hole), so named after the saint on whose name day the dikes burst, leaving a deep gully in the landscape. Around the creek is a small but attractive nature preserve, which is freely accessible.
Large grazing animals ensure management of the area, along with Natuurpunt. The cows in the area are gentle, but sensitive to stress. Crossing through their grazing zone is a privilege that you accept with respect for certain rules, or politely decline. Dogs must strictly be kept on a leash here. Children - and adults - can also enjoy these wonderful roaming animals from a safe distance.
Panneweel
Natuurhuis Panneweel
Johan Martens
Natuurhuis Panneweel
David Samyn
When a dike burst in the early 17th century, the swirling waters here carved out a typical round pool, also known as a 'wheel'. The area is home to rare plants such as saw-sedge, marsh fern and purple marshlocks. You can find out more at Nature House Panneweel, a modest visitor's centre that organises regular excursions. There is an orchard with an educational trail, a beehive and an always-accessible picnic area. From May to October, the Nature House is open to cyclists and hikers on the first Sunday of every month.
Grote Saleghemgeul
Grote Saleghemgeul
David Samyn
The largest pool in the Saleghem Creek area was created after the All Saints Flood of 1570, with 20,000 dead perhaps the worst flood of pre-modern times. It is connected to the Grote Geule in Kieldrecht via the Sint-Jacobsgat and the Kieldrecht Watergang. Green fishermen's houses rise above the water like houses on stilts, thereby giving the Grote Saleghemgeul an exotic appearance.
But the many knotted willows along the bank leave no doubt: these are the typical Waas polders. The pond and surrounding polders are an important resting and foraging area for gray geese in winter. White-fronted geese, wigeons and various species of ducks can also be seen here. Head to the little bridge on the Sint-Kornelisstraat for the best view.
Free Foxes
Free Foxes, Sint-Gillis-Waas
Tijl De Meulemeester
In 2009, Sint-Gillis-Waas won a competition for the province of East Flanders and Radio 2. Since then, the Free Foxes by Caroline Coolen have been looking out at the polder landscape, while the knight in the middle looks rather disdainfully at the Doel nuclear power plant. The silent nod to Reynaert the Fox, the uncrowned king of the Waasland region, is probably not a coincidence.
Ijshoeve De Boey
Sint-Gillis-Waas
ijshoeve De Boey
On the terrace of Ijshoeve (ice-cream farm) De Boey, take your pick. With ice cream in 15 unique flavours, there's something for every sweet tooth here. The ice cream is artisanally prepared with daily fresh milk, and with no additives.