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The Scheldt originates in the north of France and ultimately flows into the North Sea via the Western Scheldt. This route allows you to explore the Scheldt Valley around Oudenaarde in East Flanders, a city surrounded by the green ridges of the Flemish Ardennes. The Scheldt crosses this city from southwest to northeast. Originally, the Scheldt meandered its way through the Flemish Ardennes. Especially in the twentieth century, many meanders were cut off to straighten the Scheldt. You mainly cycle in the Scheldt Valley, and for a large part you follow the towpath along the Scheldt. Several cut-off Scheldt meanders have been preserved in the landscape. For example, from the dike along the Scheldt you have a beautiful view of the Heurnemeersen, just north of Oudenaarde. The ancient river meanders, forests, grasslands and swamp vegetation of this reserve are home to a rich flora and fauna. The red bat has its hunting ground there. He finds a real feast there because of the many insects that are found there. 55 species of birds also breed there and 14 species of dragonflies and 22 species of butterflies have been observed. South of Oudenaarde you cycle past the Langemeersen nature reserve. Here you will see meadows with wild flowers and many birds, such as the grasshopper warbler and summer teal. Oudenaarde is also worth a visit. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, the city was famous for the production of beautiful tapestries. Nowadays Oudenaarde is nicknamed 'The pearl of the Flemish Ardennes'. In the city you can admire the town hall, a textbook example of Brabant late Gothic, or you can enjoy one of the famous brown beers.