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The wooded sections are at the beginning and end of the route, in and around the castle grounds, and between km 10 and 16. The Troostembergbos is magnificent. The Walenbos is very pretty at the beginning but quickly becomes very wet and muddy, as does the section between km 2 and 3. Wear suitable footwear.
The rest of the route is on gravel country lanes, small village streets or farm tracks.
There are only two climbs worth mentioning on the route and no other particular difficulties to note.
You may be lucky enough to spot a deer or two, or catch a glimpse of a woodpecker or other beautiful bird perched high up in the Troostembergbos... or another rare bird in these parts.
Around Horst Castle
Roughly halfway between Leuven and Diest, south of Aarschot, Horst Castle stands proudly on the edge of its pond and wooded estate.
This hike offers a long loop through woods and countryside around this vestige of the past.
Details
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Last update:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 20.90 km -
Average duration: 6h 25 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 150 m -
Descent: - 155 m -
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Highest point: 94 m -
Lowest point: 19 m
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 33 m - Horst Castle car park
- S/E : km 20.9 - alt. 33 m - Horst Castle car park
Notes
Easy parking at the starting point... and, if it's busy, another huge car park 200 metres to the west.
Refreshments are available near the starting point – check the opening hours at Het Wagenhuis Horst – crowded on sunny days 😀
For those who trust the excellent signage in this region called Hageland:
From the starting point, follow the signposts in the following order:
143-150-148-145-131-132-133-134-125-119-118-135-136-137-59-236-235-234-233-232-231-224-230-226-227-153-152-151-144-143.
NB: only section 235-234 differs from the proposed GPS route, but it is undoubtedly more suitable for avoiding tarmac.
Worth a visit
Leuven
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