LF 38 Dender-Waasland route

The LF 38 is one of the four cross-connections on the large loop of the Flanders Cycle Route. From De Klinge to Geraardsbergen it is a 100 km trip. Highlights along the route are the green lungs along the meandering Scheldt and Dender in contrast with the historical centres of several smaller, and therefore charming, Waasland towns. Let yourself be carried away by the green oases along the meandering Scheldt and Dender. From north to south The route starts near De Klinge, on the Belgian-Dutch border. Over a former railway bed it runs through the Land van Waas past Sint-Gillis-Waas to Sint-Niklaas. Along the recreation park De Ster the route runs through the open polder landscape with its rounded fields to the Scheldt which is crossed in Temse. Upstream, it now continues along the large bends of the Scheldt through Klein-Brabant, past Weert, Mariekerke and Sint-Amands, together with the LF 5 Flanders Cycle Route. It may be a good idea to forget your picnic; an eel dish in one of the restaurants along the way will be a tasty alternative. From the Scheldt Bridge in front of Dendermonde, the Flanders Cycle Route continues to follow the Scheldt on its way to Ghent. The LF 38 opts for Dendermonde, Aalst, Ninove and Geraardsbergen. Cycling over the Market Square of Dendermonde is a unique cycling experience. The route then winds through the picturesque landscapes in the Dender Valley to the centre of Aalst. The slopes of the Pajottenland and the Flemish Ardennes beckon, but they remain at a safe distance to the left and right. In return, you get the gently winding towpath of the Dender under your wheels, far away from all traffic. The Pollare bridge is worth a stop because of its valuable iron architecture. For a real fitness test, you can turn left at the end point in the centre of Geraardsbergen and try to reach the top of the Muur. This treat entitles you to a large mattentaart. Round trip For a nice LF combination of approximately 180 km, you can start in Dendermonde and cycle along the LF 38 to Geraardsbergen. Here you take the LF 6 Flanders cycle route westwards to Kluisbergen. There you turn off onto the LF 30 Schelde-Deltaroute towards Ghent. Just past the bridge in Melle you join the LF 5 Flanders Cycle Route back to Dendermonde. Linked routes The other cross-connections are the LF 2, LF 30 and LF 35.