Although a visit to the Arboretum is interesting to learn more about the forest environment and the different species to be discovered (please note that the explanations are exclusively in Dutch), it is unfortunately very close to the motorway, which can be heard quite clearly between km 3 and 5.
On the way back, the route runs alongside the ponds and then crosses them to reach another beautiful avenue, passing by the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Steenbergen Chapel.
The grand finale: the Spaans Dak, a former manor house, and the works of art that surround it (when they have not been temporarily moved due to pond clean-up, as in autumn 2025).
The Heverleebos is mainly planted with majestic beech and pine trees and criss-crossed by magnificent avenues. A few winding paths break up the sometimes overly linear appearance of this forest area.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 10.11 km
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Average duration: 3h 10
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Back to start: Yes
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Ascent: + 85 m
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Descent: - 85 m
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Highest point: 86 m
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Lowest point: 29 m
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Country: Belgium
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District: Oud-Heverlee
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Start/End: N 50.823632° / E 4.656534°
Photos
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 38 m - Zoet Water car park
- 1 : km 4.77 - alt. 66 m - Arboretum
- S/E : km 10.11 - alt. 38 m - Zoet Water car park
Notes
Zoet Water is an ideal neighbourhood for a bite to eat or a drink before heading home... there's something for every budget!
Worth a visit
Leuven
Other walks in the area
From Nethen to the Meerdael Forest circular
Between Walloon Brabant and the Meerdael Forest, this walk combines nature, history and legends. The Nethen, a discreet river, winds its way between meadows and woods before joining the Dyle. Its banks are home to trout, kingfishers and dragonflies.In the Meerdael Forest and at Les 12 Bonniers, oak and beech trees dominate a world of mosses, mushrooms and discreet animals. The Ferme de la Houlotte recalls the rural life of yesteryear, while the tawny owl watches over the grounds.The medieval mound of Nethen and the castle of Florival bear witness to the valley's feudal past. Further on, the Nethen sandpit and the Grande Marbaise reveal an ancient seascape, now a refuge for rare flora and sand lizards. At Florival and the Pécrot pond, reeds and orchids create a peaceful scene. Between rivers, forests and memories of times gone by, Nethen invites you to explore and contemplate.
Countryside and forest in Brabant around Pécrot-Nethen
An easy walk through woods and along the Meerdaal Forest and meadows with beautiful views of the Nethen valley.
Ijse Valley in Huldenberg
This walk is suitable for Nordic walking. Huldenberg is a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, not far from the linguistic border. The region is known for its table grape cultivation and the De Doode Bemde nature reserve. Doode means 'dead' (soil unsuitable for agriculture) and Bemde means 'wet meadow'.
Short tour of Ottenburg
This invitation to discover Walloon Brabant, on the border between Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant, alternates between countryside and forest, nature and urban areas, as well as a short section in the northern zone of Wavre, passing by the unmissable GSK, one of the largest employers in Wallonia.
Circular in Brabant starting from Bossut
The villages of Bossut and Gottechain were merged in 1811 to form the municipality of Bossut-Gottechain. The 1977 municipal reform incorporated both into the entity of Grez-Doiceau.With this little page of Belgian history turned, the walk starts from the square in Bossut and takes you on a route that is more rural in Wallonia and more wooded in Flanders (Meerdaalbos), another Belgian story as the route straddles the two neighbouring provinces of Brabant.
Nodebais and Beauvechain
A very beautiful walk. Starting near the Nodebais pond. Passing by a few houses decorated by local artists (ceramics on the facades) then along paths through the countryside. There are few roads on this walk, mainly country lanes.
Circular route around Grez-Doiceau
A short 8 km circular walk starting from the Grez-Doiceau Post Office. This walk takes you along the cycle path, footpaths, fields and woods. You will pass through a few streets in Grez-Doiceau, but the route is mostly sheltered from traffic, except for a straight stretch towards Biez. A simple yet varied route ideal for daily walks starting from Grez.
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