Genk, Zutendaal and Nedereinde

Seven hundred hectares of rolling, loamy sandy soils and peat-rich soil, covered with heather plants. This can only be about the largest heathland in Flanders: the Mechelse Heide. Once upon a time, there was a primeval forest here, which was decimated by the felling and grazing of the area. What remained was a heathland, which is well maintained. Young trees are felled and the humus-rich soil layers are sod-cut, so that new heather plants have the space to grow. The felling of primeval forest and grazing of the land created the typical heathland environment. If nature were allowed to take its course, forests would quickly take over the heathland. In order to preserve the heathland, we must therefore implement consistent nature management. We cut down the young trees in the heath, scrape off the upper humus-rich soil layers ('plaggen') and mow pieces of heath every seven to ten years to give new heath plants space. The heath that gives this nature reserve its name, continues to exist in this way. In the summer, the heath turns a beautiful purple due to the typical heath vegetation, but the red bell heather that is rare in Belgium is also common here. Broom bushes grow between the heath plants, and here and there tall shrubs and trees grow. The quaking poplar, buckthorn and winter oak are some of the species that you can encounter. High up in the trees, the tree pipit, the robin and the nightjar build their nests and lizards scurry under the foliage. Among the truly rare and striking species are the smooth snake and the saddle grasshopper, but of course the characteristic inhabitants of heathlands are also present: ants and tiger beetles struggle their way through the sandy soil, where rabbits hop happily over. This route, which is more than 45 kilometers long, starts at Profile Janssen Fietsplezier. Before you start the long bike ride, we advise you to have your bike thoroughly inspected by the bicycle specialist. That way you can be sure that you can complete your route safely. If you have a bicycle discount pass, you will receive a 10 euro discount on repairs or maintenance.