Cycling around Denderwindeke

In the heart of Belgium there are two tranquil cycling areas: the Denderstreek and Pajottenland. With this route you visit both neighboring regions. You cycle through a mostly rolling and green landscape that becomes flatter as you approach the river Dender. In this part of Belgium you will still find the pleasant old-fashioned tranquility and hospitality along the way. The Dendersteek derives its name from the 65 kilometer long river Dender that eventually flows into the Scheldt. You will accompany the meandering river for a small part of the route. You drive through Ninove, the interesting town that was once described as the'Oldest, Naughtiest and Wisest of Cities\\\'. Via the course of the Dender you continue to Pamel, a village where you can find plenty of fresh strawberries and raspberries in season. From Pamel you drive into the rural Pajottenland. The locals sometimes call their region the'Tuscany of the North\\\'. Humor, pride or both? Who's to say. Humor is certainly not strange to the Pajotten (Payot was once the French name for a regional soldier). The name Pajottenland comes from a playful text from 1845. Moreover, the most famous Pajot is undoubtedly the comedian Urbanus, he still lives in Pajottenland. In Pajottenland you will find many old square farms, especially in the valleys and near springs. You also regularly see a typical chapel along the road. In Herne you will pass a Carthusian monastery from the fourteenth century, the oldest in the Netherlands. The original building was demolished by Protestants in 1580, only the gate with the guest quarter from 1710 is still standing. The first Dutch-language bible, the Hernse bible, was written in this monastery around 1360.