Tour of the 'Keiheuvel' in Balen

This walk introduces you to the Keiheuvel nature reserve, an unspoilt piece of natural tranquility in Belgium. The Keiheuvel is a typical Kempen drift sand area: the dune ridge forms the separation between the catchment area of the Molse Nete in the north and that of the Grote Nete in the south. Nowadays, the Keiheuvel is mainly covered with planted conifers, although oaks, birches, rowans and elderberry bushes also grow there. All in all, a unique area: it seems as if you are walking through the dunes along the North Sea.

While walking you have a chance to hear a wood lark, a highly endangered bird species. Early in the spring it returns from its wintering area and lets its beautiful song be heard on the Keiheuvel. In addition to the wood lark, the sparrowhawk also breeds in this nature reserve, perhaps you will see it skimming through the air while walking, chasing its prey with surprising agility.

Part of the route takes you through the area around the Grote Nete. At this point, the Grote Nete is only a modest river of a few meters wide, but with a natural meandering course. This part of the route offers you a nice change from walking through the forest. You walk here through a fairly open landscape of streams, hedgerows, hayfields and meadows. Here and there grow small deciduous forests and swamp forests. And on the northern horizon you see that beautiful green wall of the Keiheuvel.