The Groote Heide and the Malpie

The route starts in Grenspark de Groote Heide . In the past, this immense nature reserve was mainly planted with coniferous forest, Scots pine intended for mining timber and Douglas fir for the wood processing industry. In the vast and varied area, the silence is almost tangible. Paths wind through dense forest, over heathland and drifting sand, through gale thickets and along fens. Those who are successful will spot one of the many special birds, such as the nightjar, bittern, honey buzzard or kingfisher. Furthermore, the forests are populated by deer, foxes, wild boars, hares and rabbits.

After the Groote Heide, the route passes the Venbergse Molen through the cross-border nature reserve the Malpie , which consists of approximately 350 hectares of drifting sands, wet and dry heath, fens and forest. The open heathland with moist grasslands attracts many species of dragonflies and butterflies and the forest area is home to the woodpecker. The combination of heathland and forest makes the Malpie a beautiful cycling area.

Address Natuurpoort Achelse Kluis:  De Kluis 1, 3930 Hamont-Achel, Belgium

After the bike ride it is nice to relax on the terrace of Brasserie de Herberg at the Achelse Kluis . The brasserie is located in the converted former stables of the abbey and offers a view of the brewing kettles of the abbey brewery. The inn offers a variety of drinks, various pastries, homemade Trappist ice cream (without alcohol) and small dishes (including abbey soup).

Opening hours:
May to September: Tue to Sun 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Oct. to Apr.: Tue to Sun 12:00 - 17:30
Tel. 040-2069199
inn@achelsekluis.org