Aarschot, Molenheide and the Demer valley

Today you drive to the Belgian town of Aarschot, a real discovery. Art and culture have been close to Aarschot's heart since time immemorial: the many statues and monuments have given Aarschot the nickname of Image City. In the city you will also pass the Begijnhof, founded in 1259. You will also discover the Demer valley near Aarschot. This valley winds through the Kempen landscape like a blue-green ribbon. Blue because of the water - the valley has an important function in terms of water storage and drainage - and green because you will find unique natural values here. With its unique landscapes and nature, the valley offers a beautiful setting for your bike ride.

The residents of the valley have experienced firsthand that the Demer cannot simply be molded into a straitjacket. The floods of 1998 are not that long ago. The policy makers then woke up and realized that a different approach to water management was needed. A river is like a lifeline. With actions such as opening up the Demer through Diest and making the Laak water-carrying again through Aarschot, the aim is to breathe new life into the river and also into the city.

Another beautiful nature reserve borders the Demer valley: Molenheide. A small-scale park landscape of oak and birch groves alternates with open heaths, meadows, fields and fens. Many rare animal species have found their home here and butterflies such as heather blues, oak pages and small fritillary butterflies are increasingly expanding here. Hares and roe deer are now permanent residents due to the large supply of herbs, sparrow hawks and owls find a rich hunting ground.

The name of the heath was of course not chosen by chance: since 1662 the Heimolen has determined the landscape on the Oude Stok. After the last miller finally rolled up the sails of the Heimolen in 1958, decline set in. After an extensive restoration, the mill was ready to grind again in 1999. Fun fact: a descendant of the last miller's family, Jef Van Aelst, has since trained several millers here.