Tessenderlo, Oostham and Kwaadmechelen

In the Gerheserheide nature reserve you will find sandy soils with pine forests that are intersected by sandy roads. Here is also the'Schans van Gerhees\\\'. This redoubt was built in the 17th century by the local population as a kind of earthen fortress where they could'entrench\\\' themselves to avoid plundering armies and robber bands. After so many centuries, the redoubt now looks like an ordinary wooded inland dune, but if you look closely you will discover the remains of the earthen walls and moats. Another nature reserve near Oostham is'De Rammelaars\\\' and named after the many hares and rabbits that live there. In the past there was plenty of small-scale agriculture such as: haymaking, irrigating, cutting peat, extracting iron ore, cutting wood. Now we enjoy many biotopes and vegetation types. The oldest tower in Belgium is part of the Church of Our Lady of the Birth of Oostham. The lower part dates from the 10th century. A tour with a guide is possible. From the free parking of cafe-brasserie De Bosrand you can go directly on the trappers. When you return, the sun terrace looks very inviting to enjoy a drink with a snack. Cycling route 138559 also starts from this cozy establishment. So you have plenty of choice to explore the area well.