Genk, Zutendaal and Nedereinde

Seven hundred hectares of rolling, loamy sandy soils and peaty soil, covered with heather plants. This can only concern the largest heathland area in Flanders: the Mechelse Heide. There was once a primeval forest here, which was decimated by felling and grazing of the area. What remained was a heathland area, which is well maintained. Young trees are cut down and the humus-rich soil layers are sown, so that new heath plants have room to grow. The typical heathland environment was created by cutting down primeval forests and grazing the land. If nature were allowed to take its course, forests would quickly overtake the heathland. To preserve the heathland, we must therefore implement consistent nature management. For example, we cut down the young trees in the heath, we scrape off the top humus-rich soil layers (\\\'sods\\\') and we mow pieces of heath every seven to ten years to create space for new heath plants. The heathland that gives this nature reserve its name will continue to exist. In the summer, the heather turns a beautiful purple color due to the typical heather vegetation, but the red heath, which is rare in Belgium, is also common here. Broom bushes grow between the heather plants, and tall shrubs and trees also grow here and there. The quaking poplar, sporkhout and sessile oak are some species that you may encounter. High in the trees, the tree pipit, the stonechat and the nightjar build their nests and lizards forage among 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 sandwalking beetles plod their way through the sandy soil, over which rabbits happily hop. This route, which is more than 45 kilometers long, starts at Profile Janssen Cycling Fun. Before you start your long bike ride, we advise you to have your bike thoroughly inspected by the bicycle specialist. This 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.