Along old oaks in Dijleland

This route takes you through the Dijleland, the idyllic region near Leuven. You drive through a gently sloping landscape that is dotted with fields, meadows, sunken roads and forests. You visit charming villages such as Oud-Heverlee, Huldenberg and Bertem. Take the time to relax on a terrace or order the local delicacy, a Veronneke, in Bertem. This pastry is a true caress for the tongue. The crispy puff pastry envelops a soft filling of pastry cream and fruit, gracefully finished with meringue. The Veronneke is available with an apple, apricot or cherry filling. During the route you cycle through the Meerdaalwoud, which together with the Heverleebos and Egenhovenbos forms the largest mixed deciduous forest in Flanders. Nowhere else in Flanders will you see so many old oaks with a circumference thicker than 250 centimeters: there are more than a thousand, a beautiful sight. You will also find dry heather, hornbeams, bracken ferns, alder and ash here. The oldest deer population in Flanders lives in this nature reserve. The animals have increased in number to such an extent that they can now also be found in the surrounding valleys, especially around dusk you have a good chance of seeing them. You will also pass through the Zoniënwoud, the green lung of nearby Brussels. No less than eighty percent of the total area (5000 hectares!) consists of stately beeches. The Sonian Forest has a rich fauna and flora, so that you have a varied view. At the village of Overijse you drive past an ancient water mill, built before 1300. The current building dates from 1904. The village itself, which grew on the banks of the IJse, is known for its greenhouse grapes. If you want to learn more about this labour-intensive cultivation, visit the Grape Museum. The route starts and ends on the edge of Valbeek.