(S/E) Starting from Zepperen cemetery, the route winds through orchards of pear, apple and (further on) cherry trees.
After passing through Berlingen, the route runs close to Rullingen Castle (5), well hidden behind the hedges of its grounds.
A few kilometres further on, the walk joins the old Roman road linking Paris to Cologne via Bavay and Tongeren. (9) A sculpture has been erected here in honour of Tjenne (Jeanne in the local dialect), who was convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake in 1667.
Halfway along this ancient Roman road lie, in order, (10) the Helshoven Chapel, a place of pilgrimage, its pretty little garden and its statue of Pope John Paul II, and a little further on (11) the artwork named Helsheaven, consisting of a self-supporting metal base supporting a small house whose walls were built using logs cut from the countless old cherry trees felled in 2016 following their infection by the ‘little cherry’ virus.
Whilst the journey through the village of Rijkel is not particularly impressive in itself, it does have the advantage of allowing visitors to discover (12) its castle (in need of renovation) and its imposing church.
Through the orchards around Hoepertingen
Pear, apple and cherry trees, a few vines and strawberry plants ensure the richness and reputation for fruit-growing of this part of the Limburg Hesbaye. Orchards galore to admire in spring during the blossom and later in the season for their fruit production.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 18.32 km -
Average duration: 5h 30 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 81 m -
Descent: - 75 m -
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Highest point: 91 m -
Lowest point: 46 m
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Country:
Belgium
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District:
Sint-Truiden -
Start/End: N 50.81895° / E 5.249013° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 47 m - Zepperen Cemetery
- 1 : km 1.7 - alt. 63 m - Fourche
- 2 : km 2.12 - alt. 61 m - Viewpoint at Honsberg and picnic table
- 3 : km 2.79 - alt. 63 m - Bench
- 4 : km 4.62 - alt. 79 m - Bench
- 5 : km 6.44 - alt. 54 m - Rullingen Castle
- 6 : km 7.07 - alt. 61 m - Picnic table
- 7 : km 7.43 - alt. 69 m - Vineyards
- 8 : km 8.91 - alt. 73 m - Hoenshovenstraat
- 9 : km 9.86 - alt. 84 m - Tjenne (work of art)
- 10 : km 11.11 - alt. 65 m - Helshoven, chapel, benches and picnic table
- 11 : km 11.72 - alt. 87 m - Helsheaven, a work of art and picnic area
- 12 : km 14.91 - alt. 64 m - Rijkel Castle
- 13 : km 16.92 - alt. 63 m - Cemetery
- S/E : km 18.32 - alt. 47 m - Zepperen Cemetery
Notes
This walk is an extended and reversed version of the 'Circular walk through the Limburg orchards starting from Helshoven'.
There are several benches and picnic areas along the route, as well as two cafés, brasseries and restaurants in Helshoven.
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