The best walks and hikes around Mont-De-L'Enclus

Farm track between Kwaremont and Paterberg – Enjoying the shelter of the giants This is the real, unadulterated hinterland of the Flemish Ardennes! While the peloton and cycling tourists are battling it out a few hills further on the cobblestones of Kwaremont and Paterberg, pure tranquility reigns on this wide farm track. The path cuts straight through the vast green meadows and forms the perfect unpaved connection between these two legendary hills. The characteristic farm track invites you to slow down. In the distance, you see the wooded hill ridges that form the backdrop for so many cycling feats, but here you only hear the wind. It is the ideal place to enjoy the pure vastness of the countryside, far away from all asphalt. Tip: a fantastic, soothing passage to include in your route. Be careful in wet weather, however: the deep ruts can turn into significant mud puddles. Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy profile will make this adventurous stretch of country lane even more enjoyable!

This is the absolute 'Valhalla' for long-distance hikers in the Kluisbos! This impressive wooden hiking tree marks a strategic junction where iconic Long Distance Paths (GR paths) cross. The characteristic white-red markings show you the way to legendary destinations far beyond the forest borders. From this point, you can literally discover all directions. GR 122 / GR 123 towards historic Doornik (Tournai) – 50 km GR 122 towards Ronse – 10 km GR 5A towards the Muur van Geraardsbergen – 43 km Towards the West Flemish coast to De Panne – 157 km Towards Oudenaarde – 25 km

What was the Vierschaar? The Vierschaar is an important historical legal site dating back to the Carolingian era (the 8th to 9th centuries). During that period, this was the location of the local court. Justice was not yet administered in an enclosed courtroom at that time, but outdoors in the open air. The term 'Vierschaar' literally refers to the setup of this extraordinary court: it was a square enclosed area (with four ropes or benches) within which the accused had to take a seat. The aldermen (the judges) sat on the benches to determine the verdict. It was only with the advent of the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century that this form of local open-air justice disappeared, and the court definitively moved into covered town halls. Fun fact: Germanic mythology in the Kluisbos: did you know that these open-air courts were traditionally deliberately set up under a linden tree or enormous beech trees? According to Germanic tradition, the goddess Freya resided in the linden tree. She symbolized justice, and her presence under the tree was believed to offer protection to the community during the pronouncement of the verdict.

Justice was administered here during the time of Charlemagne. A Vierschaar was a place, enclosed by four benches (scharen), where court sessions were held. In front of the Vierschaar stood four beech trees (originally lime trees) that indicated the direction of Berchem, Amougies, Orroir, and Kwaremont. Due to lightning, disease, and war, they disappeared one by one. Now the Vierschaar is a resting place in the forest, right on the language border. (Agentschap Natuur & Bos)

The Ronde van Vlaanderenstraat is 1.2 kilometers long. Cycle over the kilometer-long roll of honor that was applied to the road surface. And admire the wall of fame for all 125 winners of Flanders' Most Beautiful - 106 men and 19 women. in which the 76 Tour winners were incorporated. You will find them at the monument of Karel Van Wijnendale and it is a tribute to the icons of the cycling world. (Visit Vlaamse Ardennen)

Choose the direction you wish to follow here.

Here you literally walk back and forth across the language border. Nice, right.

In the Kluisbos - on top of the 141-meter-high Kluisberg - you'll never run out of walking or cycling opportunities. This is the largest forest in the Flemish Ardennes.