The fall walking season is upon us, bringing a riot of gold and scarlet to forest canopies, crisp leaves, and mushrooms underfoot. Among the best northern European autumnal escapes are the woodlands of Flemish Brabant, offering an immersion in seasonal mists and mellowness just beyond the hustle and bustle of the Belgian capital. Here, put together by Flemish Brabant experts, are five circular trails accompanied by hospitality suggestions that will have you donning your boots and scarves before you know it.
1. The Big Oak Walk – 12,7 km
Described as a “fairytale forest walk” by Vlaams Brabant Tourism, the Big Oak Walk southeast of Leuven starts with a Belgian icon: a sunken path. Ancient tracks that sit below the surrounding land, often by several metres, sunken paths are formed by the passage of people, vehicles and animals – as well as the action of running water – over time.
Belgium has many and they are magical, bringing you down to eye level with tangled tree roots and banks of wildflowers and berries. This one will lead you to the Mollendaal Forest, where giant oaks, some of them around 300 years old and with trunks 2.5 metres around, will seem to tower even higher above you. See the biggest trees on Big Oak Lane [Dikke Eikdreef]. Waypoints are indicated on the online summary.
Awaiting you with refreshments at the end of the loop back in Bierbeck, In de Molen brasserie at node 700. Note, that they do not take reservations. If you wish to stay overnight, B&B Miranoza is a small, award-winning architectural villa ensconced between the mighty trees.
2. The Majestic Oak Walk – 7,9 km
A shorter option also centred on the majestic oak species is a nearly 8-km trail setting out from Groenendaal Castle at Hoeilaart, southeast of Brussels. It will take you into the heart of the historic Sonian Forest, a true primeval woodland that has been forested since the Ice Age. There in the Joseph Zwaenepoel Forest Reserve, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017, you can look out for the over 300-year-old, 40-metre-high pedunculate or “English oak” this walk is named for.
Again, waypoints and details can be found online. And why not stay in the B&B Hippo-Droom in Hoeilaart, a beautifully restored belle-epoque villa with regionally-inspired rooms.
3. Norbertine Walk – 9,3 km
What self-respecting list of Flemish hiking trails could miss out on an opportunity to celebrate an ancient abbey and an abbey beer? The Norbertine walk explores the breathtaking landscape of fens, marsh, heathland, and grasses north east of Brussels where the 12th century monastic order chose to construct Averbode Abbey.
The Abbey’s Het Moment experience centre and gift shop offers crafts, produce such as local cheeses and gingerbreads, and of course, the chance to quench your thirst with a glass of the eponymous abbey beer. If staying over, you can stroll back to your accommodation at Villa Chill, a 5-star holiday home with four bedrooms, and a 37-acre garden with its own private forest.
4. The Roeselberg Walk – 7 km
Starting just north of Leuven at the 17th-century Roeselberg Chapel, and winding into Walen Forest’s wetlands, this trail will introduce you to Flanders’ largest alluvial alder grove and the charming village of Houwaart. Wellies are a must for this potentially splashy adventure, and you can settle in for the evening at B&B Silentium, on the forest edge.
5. The Five Oaks Walk – 8,7 km
Nearby, the Heverlee Woods arboretum hosts 300 different species of trees and shrubs, including the millennium tree – a Japanese Zelkova – and a cluster of impressive American oaks situated at a forest crossroads blazing with red leaves in the autumn.
All that tree spotting and hugging will give you an appetite but never fear: Brasserie 500 at the trail’s start and end point will sort you out, while Bibois is, according to the Tourism Vlaams Brabant experts, a “stylish hotel right between Meerdaal Forest and Heverlee Woods. It also features a trendy bistro with great eats and drinks to finish off your autumn walk.”