Brakelbos The Brakelbos with its 52 ha surface is very extensive. The forest also has a rich past. Near the wooded peaks of the Pottelberg and the Modderodde, silex objects more than 10,000 years old were found. Nowadays the forest is owned by the OCMW of Oudenaarde, but you do not have to get vouchers to walk there. It is open to the public. Put on sturdy bottines, not only to cope with the climbing (the forest is located on a slope and has height differences ranging from 65 to 130 meters), but also because the surface is often damp and soggy due to the many bubbling springs. The forest is located on a witness hill. This is how the hills in the region are called that still bear witness to the time when the Flemish Ardennes were still by the sea. Only six million years ago. The Brakelbos is at its best in spring, when the bluebell – the blue stocking – blooms en masse and forms a beautiful blue carpet. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/128555.en">Gemeente Brakel</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/47507044.en?toptext=878298">More information</a> Forest Cabane Sylvie The numerous paths that cross the forest take you to a strange chalet: the so-called 'Cabane Sylvie'. Historic sites and monuments description : The most popular but at the same time most strange character of the village was Sylvie (1851-1925). She came from Flanders, had travelled a lot, but retired to Flobecq in 1902. She settled down, away from prying eyes, in a clearing in the woods. The people of the area built a hut for her in spruce. At the center of la Houppe there is a replica. The place has become a cultural point and also the starting point of countless walks. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/145146.en">B&B La Douceur de la Miclette</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48156291.en?toptext=1727526">More information</a> Historical place Descent to the centre of D'Hoppe Nice descent towards the center of D'Hoppe where if you see well, you can see the gnomes walking between the roots of the trees. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/145146.en">B&B La Douceur de la Miclette</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48156332.en?toptext=1727578">More information</a> Descent Direction center D'Hoppe After a nice descent we are almost in D'Hoppe center where there are several cafes to drink or eat something nice Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/145146.en">B&B La Douceur de la Miclette</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48156333.en?toptext=1727579">More information</a> Eat & Drink Paillart When you come out of the forest, you have a great view of the Paillart to Ellezelles. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/145146.en">B&B La Douceur de la Miclette</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48156385.en?toptext=1727666">More information</a> Panorama Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on D'Hoppe source: Montfortblog In the year 1888 Baron Lefèbvre started to build a church on D'Hoppe at his own expense, mainly driven by his wife, who was very religious and felt sorry for the poor population, in a hamlet far from the villages of Brakel, Schorisse and Vloesberg. She was especially concerned about the mental well-being of these people. It was probably also a memento from a personal devotion to what had happened in Lourdes 30 years earlier. After all, in 1858 Mary had appeared to Bernadette in the cave of Massabiel. The church was dedicated to Notre Dame de Lourdes. On August 15, 1888, under great interest of the local population, the church was consecrated by the delegate of the Bishop of Tournai. In 1938 it was 50 years ago that the church on D'Hoppe was built. It was also 80 years ago that Mary appeared in Lourdes. To commemorate this occasion, Father Hubert Claes, montfortaan, had a beautiful Lourdes grotto built between the monastery and the church. The cave was consecrated on Sunday 21 August 1938 by Monsignor Rasneur, Bishop of Tournai. After the construction of the Lourdes Grotto, the construction of a park with stations of the cross and Calvary began. The founder of the Congregation of Montfortans had a large cross or calvary erected in all the parishes where he held a mission as a lasting reminder of his preaching. For Father Claes, the Lourdes Grotto and the Calvary formed one whole to recall Montfort's motto: Through Mary to Jesus. Since the foundation and construction of the church in 2012, 124 years have passed. It has been 74 years since the Cave was built and consecrated and about 62 years since the Stations of the Cross and Calvary were erected. Over the years, something has changed here and there about the church. The cave used to be inside the church. Under the influence of the Second Vatican Council, the chancel was modified and the altar brought forward. The interior was repainted. The tower was restored and equipped with a new rooster, which reflects the first sunlight at dawn. No matter how modest the sanctuary is, some objects in the chapel are worth seeing. There are mainly the 15 painted Stations of the Cross by painter Camerlinckx. Then there is the sculpture group of the dying Saint Joseph, which was beautifully restored by Mrs. Johan Penne. A beautiful monumental antique seat adorns the chancel next to the altar. This was donated in 1949 for the choir of the church by, probably his widow, Léonce Van Damme, who died 18 June 1949. Since 1903, the care of this sanctuary has been in the hands of the Montfortan Fathers. The monastery was built in 1906, after the fathers had stayed at the castle for three years. On the other side of the church, the convent of the Sisters of Wisdom was built in 1910, who set up a school there for many years. You could say that the sanctuary and monastery represent the oldest Montfortan presence in Belgium. In 2010 the beautiful cave was restored. Numerous ex-votos testify to the many favors obtained through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. August 15 is always the high day with a solemn Eucharist. It is always a party that is talked about. The many tourists who enjoy nature in D'Hoppe will certainly not fail to become pilgrims for a few minutes and visit the cave and the Calvary. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/145146.en">B&B La Douceur de la Miclette</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48157163.en?toptext=1729076">More information</a> Pelgrimage Zwalm Springs Route This route follows and crosses the course of several streams that merge to form the Zwalm. It is a peaceful walk through a green hilly landscape with beautiful views, along old farms and over field and church paths. Along the way, we can enjoy the local Brakelhoen, either in person on the properties of the numerous farms, or on our plates, as an ingredient of the delicious Brakelhoen menu. For additional information <a href="http://www.tov.be/route.aspx?id=15204" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/92287.en">GSR600</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48658473.en?toptext=1793634">More information</a> Route Hof ter Wolfskerke Hof te Wolfskerke is a farm located in the former Belgian municipality of Opbrakel, on the corner of Wolfskerke with the IJskelderweg. The contemporary buildings stand on the site where at least since the beginning of the 15th century the cijnshoeve and later the explotatiehoeve of the lordship of Wolfskerke stood. This was completely outside the core of the municipality and bordered Schorisse and Zegelsem in the north and was 60 ha in size. The owner was the Abbey of Ename since the 12th century. This came to an end with the French Revolution. The first major renovation took place in 1663-1664 [1], when the farm was merged a little further south. The materials from this disappeared farm were recovered and used at the current location. The next restoration and expansion took place in 1755-1756, parts of which are still visible today. At the end of the 18th century, the property came into the possession of a layman for the first time and the Ghent Mulle family became the owner. A century later, an heir again extensively rebuilt the whole. The client was the new owner and senator Adèle Eugène Mulle de Terschueren (1827-1914) who had a new stables (1892), a factory fireplace and castle (1893-1894) built. In the end, the heated chicken farm did not last long. In 1919 the farm was sold to the future mayor of Opbrakel Lothaire Vanden Bossche (1895-1954). For the first time in its long history, it was no longer a tenant farm, but was inhabited by the owner. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/156117.en">Willem Vandenameele</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48873853.en?toptext=2564019">More information</a> Farm Castle Mullem The name Woluekerka, Woluekerke was already mentioned around 1177. The Hof-te-Wolfskerke has always belonged to the Benedictine abbey of Ename under the Ancient Regime. In the northwest corner of Opbrakel, this abbey also had the seigneuri of Wolfskerke, an area much larger than the land of Hof-te-Wolfskerke and in which the abbot had all the rights autonomously. In 1571, the area of the farm was about 36 ha. In 1653, the farm was rented by brothers Filip and Joos de Ruyver, who each lived on a beautiful separate farm, one in the current courtyard, the other a little south of the turn of the present Wolfskerkestraat. In the middle of the 18th century, the present house and barn were built at the expense of the abbey and both historic buildings have been preserved to this day. The stone in the wall of the house, which represents the coat of arms of Ename Abbey and Abbé Coliusdates, dates from this period. In the French era, the entire 41 hectare Wolfskerke was taken over by the family Mulle of Ghent, who later lived in Tielt under the name Mulle de Terschueren. In 1893 - the date is on the roof - Senator Mulle carried out major projects in Wolfskerke: before that date, he had his own staff to build state-of-the-art industrial buildings, including a heated chicken farm, whose chimney is still visible. In addition, a luxurious country house was built, the "Castle Mulle" - popularly called the "Mullens Castle" - with real romantic castle-like gestures. In 1919, Mayor Lothaire Van den Bossche was able to buy everything. The dilapidated castle was bought back a few years ago by the famous artist Jan Fabre, who completely restored it. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/156117.en">Willem Vandenameele</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48873944.en?toptext=2564140">More information</a> Castle Station Opbrakel Former station was founded about the same time as the construction of the Aalst-Ronse railway line (1884-1885), now a house (line abolished in 1963). Railway bed from Zottegem as a walking path to the nearby Livierenstraat has been preserved. L-shaped detached house of one and a half storeys under crossing cutting gable roofs (tiles), in the typical style of rural railway architecture from the second half of the 19th century. Whitewashed gables. Segmental arched wall openings in flat plastered recessed frames. Former gable with gabled top above the doorway and preserved façade inscription "Opbrakel" under circular window. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/407259.en">Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49436077.en?toptext=3169838">More information</a> Trainstation Court in Wolfskerke Located on the corner with the IJskelderweg. So-called "Hof te Wolfskerke". In 1663-1664 largely renovated farm of the Sint-Salvators abbey of Ename, partly with recovery material from the then completely demolished and disappeared old "Hof te Wolfskerke", which was located about 100 meters south on the street bend. The new tenant farm "Hof te Wolfskerke" was built on the site of a cijnshoeve that had existed since at least the beginning of the 15th century and since then has functioned as the only exploitation farm of the abbey in Wolfskerke. By order of abbot Carolus de Colins d'Heetvelde in 1755-56 mostly renewed. Important modification and considerable expansion in 1892 including the construction of new stables by Adèle Mulle de Terschueren, including a large-scale heated chicken farm with chimney. Impressive and extensive semi-closed farm complex, beautifully situated on a ridge surrounded by agricultural land. Brick farm buildings under red tiled gable roofs and with whitewashed street facades. Entrance gate included in south wing on street side between stables and farmhouse. Elongated partly cobbled rectangular courtyard with cobbled wide passage on the northwest corner to the largest company building behind. To the west, a farmhouse of initially six bays erected in 1755-1756, later extended with, among other things, southward extension; perpendicular extension to the north (former blacksmith's shop, staff quarters or milk house ?). Roof clock on iron skeleton of bell chair. Anchored and painted façade (to the east) hidden behind disturbing veranda construction, however, preserves authentic arched windows with rebate, hard stone sills and cornerstones with shutter thumbs, rattled or with lattice holes. Sculpted rectangular facing stone above the low front door: with coat of arms of the builder C. de Colin d'Heetvelde, abbot of the abbey of Ename, and year 1757 (?). Also in the rear façade incorporated bluestone of small windows, partly closed back door and two enlarged windows with wooden lintel for north room. Plastered trough vaults between over-angled wooden beams on heavy nut beam in the central kitchen; in the same room natural stone floor tiles; painted natural stone half-columns as hair compulsions of double hearth, ending on rounded ornamented console with rosettes and under cover plate. Visible nut beam in the flanking chambers. Vaulted house cellar with outdoor cellar door. To the east, longitudinal barn of four bays adjacent to and with ridge parallel to the IJskelderweg, from 1755-56. Northern gable with braids, weighted by two cut buttresses and on the right damaged low basket arch gate. Original south gable on substructure of fieldstones. Retain double anchor beam trusses. South, former farmhouse from 1663-1664, converted into cowsheds in 1755-56 and expanded with pigsties; still modified in 1892 by extension on southeast corner with extension of the barn. Façade stables under wide roof overhang on wooden struts. Street façade with two gabled roof windows. North side of courtyard bounded by stable wing of 1892, perpendicular to barn. under truncated gable roof. On roof ridge above built-in large furnace of former heating system: narrower tapered square brick chimney finished with cantilevered frame. In accordance with the construction style of 18th-century farmhouse: segmental arched doors and windows with hard stone corner and keystones. Modified stable equipment with trough vaults between iron beams. To the north, 60 meter long stable wing under hipped roof (ridge parallel to the street), cross in black tiles under letters M t L, initials of builder Adèle Mulle de Terschueren, built in 1892 in eastern side roof shield. Facades articulated by lisenes, only façade enriched with bluestone at the wall openings, also at the five pointed roof windows. To the west, behind the farmhouse located walled vegetable garden with in the northwest corner a dilapidated former servant's house erected as a two-room house. Also dilapidated small outbuilding in southwest corner (formerly chicken coop ?) under tent roof and with diamond-shaped side windows. Associated road chapel on the street side against the rear façade corner of the farmhouse. Simple rectangular brick chapel built in 1953 by Noëlla Van Den Bossche. Brick gable with protruding cross in the top. Round arch closed by iron gate with cross. Plastered interior with barrel vault. Simple altar on arch with polychrome Statue of Saint Rita. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/407259.en">Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/48113906.en?toptext=3178178">More information</a> Farm Closed farm and café Former farm and café at road junction opposite Herenhof. Semi-closed brick farmhouse, to the northwest side adjacent to the dirt road going back on the route of the Roman road Bavay-Blicquy-Velzeke. Cobbled strip of road surface in front of the house located on the street; left wide iron fence attached to brick fence pillars with cobbled driveway; largely cobbled courtyard. Anchored and whitewashed brick farmhouse of six bays, under gable roof (tiles, ridge parallel to the street) between roofs with braids, with predominantly views from the first half of the 19th century. Northeast-facing façade; Framed façade with hanging gutter, arched windows with green-painted wooden shutters on hard stone leak thresholds. Front door in grey-painted frame, formerly with café name on the skylight. Two iron rings next to the door. Green painted composite beam layer. Several interior elements from the first quarter of the 20th century as in the former storeroom: wall niche at the level of a disappeared café arch, high plinth of faience tiles with floral frieze border. To the north-west, behind it whitewashed brick company building including stables, under tiled gable roof (ridge perpendicular to the street). Two other brick farm buildings perhaps younger (ascending to the second half of the 19th century with later modifications): southwest cross barn parallel to the street; south-east lower outbuilding (wagon house ?) under lectern roof; basket arch gate in left side façade. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/407259.en">Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49446479.en?toptext=3181019">More information</a> Farmhouse Hoeve Hof ten Bossche So-called "Hof ten Bossche". Imposing historic farmhouse, tenant farm until 1951; in a landscape-remarkable environment in the southwestern corner of Opbrakel, namely behind the southern side of the street and in front of the Brakelbos; from the west, after an obtuse corner to the front of the farm, cobbled access road with orchard to the north; former avenue and present country road in its extension (northeastwards) to Pullem. Seat of the seigneury of the estate ten Bosse formerly also called "Courtaubois", after inheritance in 1320 under the sons of the lord of Opbrakel became an independent seigneury dependent on the main seigneury of Opbrakel. As a seigneury with one of the largest agricultural holdings in Opbrakel, it also had all the important seigneurial rights such as a vierschaar and remained the property of the Van Brakel family until the 17th century; several of them, as well as later owners, lived in Oudenaarde or Ghent. Depicted in the map book of Opbrakel by P. Hoelman (1651-54) with rectangular layout and still existing old part of farmhouse. Predominantly whitewashed brick farm buildings on pecked plinth; more or less rectangular layout around spacious cobbled courtyard with central dung heap; Northeast corner closed by wide rectangular entrance gate with bluestone negro blocks, wooden lintel and under donkey's back (artificial slates). Front wing (northwest) adjacent to the access road, includes the farmhouse with a dominant spacious house of five bays and two storeys in the middle under a slate gable roof with a bell roof, built in 1790-1791 by owner J.J. Walckiers; To the northeast adjoining rest of the lower and older house (second half of the 17th century ?) of three bays and one storey under tiled gable roof. Oldest part with sandstone processing such as for corner chains of the façade, sills of the narrow latticed rectangular windows and framing of cellar holes in the front façade; Furthermore, anchors with curl and both frame gables under roof overhang, of which roof base on beautifully profiled corbels. Strongly weathered square sandstone facing stone in the middle of the side gable, probably formerly decorated with a coat of arms surrounded by baroque decoration. One of the two vaulted cellars under this part of the house has been preserved and accessible with an external cellar staircase in the yard façade. Inside, what remains of a composite beam layer of which is a heavy nut beam with decorated beam sole, profiled sandstone hair compulsions of a mutilated fireplace. Tiled floor in the attic. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/407259.en">Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49465167.en?toptext=3201920">More information</a> Farmhouse Small roadside chapel Located next to number 3. Small roadside chapel on the street corner and opposite Wallekouter, next to the entrance gate of the farm. Simple rectangular open chapel of whitewashed bricks under tiled gable roof; founded in the early 20th century (after 1911) by the then residents of the farm and was initially dedicated to Saint John. Stepped gable surmounted by an iron cross. High round arch with iron fence under end brick arch cornice. Plaster Sacred Heart statue on simple brick altar. Information provided by L. De Temmerman. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/407259.en">Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49482320.en?toptext=3221348">More information</a> POI Border between Flemish and Walloon Region An administrative boundary is just an imaginary line.. which has historically grown out of power and possession ... Nature does not care about this ... Only the human mind is capable of such anomalies as hatred and bigotry based on a 'language' boundary ... Understand who can. Fortunately, the locals of different language communities usually live well and peacefully together as here in Flobecq / Vloesberg. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/43.en">Idri</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49801062.en?toptext=3894174">More information</a> Administrative border THE SYLVIE CABIN The hamlet nurtures the legend of a character as strange as she is popular: Sylvie, the hermit. Arriving in Flobecq-wood without money or luggage, she supposedly isolated herself in a small house made of spruce logs at the top of Mount Rhodes. She loved the solitude and the nature surrounding her. Her cabin was spared by the Germans during the war. In memory of this woman, the inhabitants of La Houppe rebuilt her hut in the Bois de La Houppe. Today, the "Sylvie's cabin" welcomes artists. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/11081.en">Maison du Tourisme du Tournaisis</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/49815451.en?toptext=3908564">More information</a> Monument The Silent Pleasure 'Het Stille Genoegen' is located on the language border, between the hills of the Flemish Ardennes and the natural beauty of Le Pays des Colines. It is a renovated farmhouse that has retained its authentic character. In this quiet area we offer you 3 guest rooms. All rooms are different and tastefully decorated and have been given their own 'feeling name': Gateway to reflection, Deep grounds, Hidden intercourse. For more information <a href="http://www.tov.be/logie.aspx?id=118300" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/1566.en">Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/47218300.en?toptext=4232069">More information</a> Hotel Saint Margaret's Chapel Wijlegem Picturesque chapel on a hilltop between Sint-Denijs-Boekel and Sint-Blasius-Boekel. Surrounded by a small cemetery and two large farmsteads. Pillory at the foot of the chapel. Historically and scenically valuable. Authentic surroundings. For more information <a href="http://www.tov.be/item.aspx?id=18818" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/1566.en">Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/50385728.en?toptext=4670276">More information</a> Monument Language border hiking trails The language border hiking trails are an outsider in the Flemish Ardennes. The southern border of this region is also the language border. Seven routes that flirt with that language border are collected in a handy folder. These walking routes are part of a European project and run in collaboration with the Walloon Maison du Tourisme du Tournaisis. Not to be missed, because the language border is often also a natural border, which crosses the highest peaks of the witness hills! - T1 'Between Ruien and Orroir' - start: Maison des Randonneurs (Orroir) - 9 km - T2 'Between Kwaremont and Amougies' - start: De Vierschaar (Ruien) - 9 km - T3 'Between the Muziekberg and Mont d'Ellezelles' - start: Group stay De Fiertel - 12 km - T4 'Between d'Hoppe and Bos ter Rijst' - start: d'Hoppe, chapel La Caplette (Flobecq) - 14 km - T5 'In the Brakelbos' - start: d'Hoppe, chapel La Caplette (Flobecq) - 7,5 km - T6 'Between Everbeek-Boven and the Livierenbos' - start: church Everbeek-Boven (Brakel) - 9,5 km - T7 'Tussen Dender en Mark' - start: church Overboelare (Geraardsbergen) - 15,5 km For more information <a href="http://www.tov.be/route.aspx?id=15314" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/1566.en">Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/47115314.en?toptext=4670281">More information</a> Walk Chapel of Sainte-Anne de Flobecq-Bois The Chapelle Sainte-Anne is a small Roman Catholic church in Flobecq-Bois, Hainaut, Belgium. Erected in 1642 where there was an old hermitage of the ninth century, the chapel was remodeled in the eighteenth century and restored after the Second World War. The chapel houses a valuable Gothic altarpiece in white stone of Avesnes, carved and polychrome which dates from the sixteenth century. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/165089.en">Wikipedia</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/50593959.en?toptext=5659319">More information</a> Chapel Woods of La Louvière Located on the edge of the linguistic border, a few kilometers north of Flobecq, the Louvière wood is mainly made up of a magnificent beech forest with hyacinths. It is a massif of great landscape and biological interest, just like the nearby woods of Pottelberg and Mont de Rode. Public access: Extremely limited access. Type: Site of Great Biological Interest (SGIB) Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/538668.en">La biodiversité en Wallonie</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/50972362.en?toptext=7304416">More information</a> Forest Pottelberg PottelbergRouteYou Climb Code : <a href="//help.routeyou.com/topic/view/640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">E_5_d</a><ul><li>Length : 1.29 km</li><li>Ascent : 30 m</li><li>Average grade : 2 m / 100 m - 2.39 %</li><li>Maximal grade : 5.43 %</li></ul> Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/607725.en">Cols&Climbs@RouteYou</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/4371382.en?toptext=7484720">More information</a> Slope La Houppe_Hoppeberg La Houppe_HoppebergRouteYou Climb Code : <a href="//help.routeyou.com/topic/view/640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D_4_d</a><ul><li>Length : 1.84 km</li><li>Ascent : 85 m</li><li>Average grade : 5 m / 100 m - 4.54 %</li><li>Maximal grade : 5.82 %</li></ul> Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/607725.en">Cols&Climbs@RouteYou</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51145529.en?toptext=7484724">More information</a> Slope Livierenbos The Livierenbos (Bois de la Louvière) is a forest that is part of the forest belt on the witness hills of the region. A witness mound is a more or less isolated, erosion-resistant mound in the landscape. The erosion-resistant soil layer that is located in the hill is a 'witness' to a sediment deposit that once lay over the entire landscape, but was subsequently fragmented by erosion. The forest is almost entirely located in Vloesberg (Flobecq), only its foothills are in Brakel. It is protected as a European Natura 2000 site under the name 'Vallée de la Rhosnes'. On the Flemish side, the foothills of the Livierenbos on the Buistemberg and Tenbergen are protected in Europe as 'Forests of the Flemish Ardennes and other South Flemish Forests'. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/84656.en">Landelijke Gilden fiets-, wandel- en autoroutes</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/47118592.en?toptext=8139440">More information</a> Forest Nature reserve Upper reaches of the Zwalm Bovenlopen Zwalm is a recognized nature reserve along the Sassegembeek and the Dorenbosbeek, two source streams of the Zwalm in the Flemish Ardennes. It consists of two sub-areas, namely Sassegembeek, which is formed by the northern spur of the Brakelbos and sub-area Dorenbosbeek, the northwestern uiloper of the Livierenbos. The nature reserve covers a total area of approximately 30ha and is recognized as a European Natura 2000 area. A part of the valley of the Sassegembeek that you look out over from Pullem is protected as a monument. Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/84656.en">Landelijke Gilden fiets-, wandel- en autoroutes</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51764887.en?toptext=8139450">More information</a> POI Bois de la Louvière The Bois de la Louvière is a forest that is part of the forest belt of the hills witnesses of the region. A witness mound is a hill more or less isolated and resistant to erosion in the landscape. The erosion-resistant soil layer in the mound is the "witness" of a sedimentary deposit that once covered the entire landscape, but was later fragmented by erosion. The forest is almost entirely located in Flobecq. It is protected as a European Natura 2000 site under the name "Rhosnes Valley". Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/762604.en">Val et Oli</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51836536.en?toptext=8228356">More information</a> Forest Brique - Potterée Brique - PotteréeRouteYou Climb Code : <a href="//help.routeyou.com/topic/view/640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D_4_d</a><ul><li>Length : 2.76 km</li><li>Ascent : 93 m</li><li>Average grade : 3 m / 100 m - 3.41 %</li><li>Maximal grade : 5.29 %</li></ul> Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/607725.en">Cols&Climbs@RouteYou</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51839172.en?toptext=8231093">More information</a> Slope Maaistraat MaaistraatRouteYou Climb Code : <a href="//help.routeyou.com/topic/view/640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">E_4_d</a><ul><li>Length : 0.6 km</li><li>Ascent : 28 m</li><li>Average grade : 5 m / 100 m - 4.52 %</li><li>Maximal grade : 8.82 %</li></ul> Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/607725.en">Cols&Climbs@RouteYou</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51839192.en?toptext=8231113">More information</a> Slope Rietfonteintje The Rietfonteintje, centrally located in the Brakelbos, is one of the most striking sources. The water from this source zone is collected in a masonry well and is then artificially guided over a few tens of meters. The Rietfonteintje is one of the many springs in the Brakelbos in the Flemish Ardennes. Together with other sources, it feeds the Sassegembeek (nature reserve Bovenlopen Zwalm). This stream is one of the most important water supply streams for the Zwalmbeek. This is certainly not the only source in the Brakelbos, sources are typical for such a slope forest with relatively strong height differences. Then the path winds, bounded laterally by gathered hoyt and branches, continues through the forest. Where it is a bit steeper, steps have been made so that some height can be overcome at a relatively short distance Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/870945.en">Loebas</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/51870232.en?toptext=8263462">More information</a> Source Mont de Rhodes Mont de RhodesRouteYou Climb Code : <a href="//help.routeyou.com/topic/view/640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">D_5_e</a><ul><li>Length : 2.96 km</li><li>Ascent : 59 m</li><li>Average grade : 2 m / 100 m - 1.94 %</li><li>Maximal grade : 3.46 %</li></ul> Author: <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/user/view/607725.en">Cols&Climbs@RouteYou</a> <a href="https://www.routeyou.com/location/view/52282713.en?toptext=8717718">More information</a> Slope 16k 152 152 154 154 144 147 149 155 156 157 157 155 153 153 153 153 154 154 154 154 154 155 152 152 150 143 142 130 130 133 134 135 132 129 130 134 135 136 136 139 140 140 139 139 137 136 133 133 132 131 131 133 132 131 130 129 128 126 125 124 124 124 122 115 110 109 106 105 103 102 107 109 105 104 104 104 101 98 95 91 85 86 89 90 89 89 89 89 88 86 85 85 84 76 73 72 72 70 69 69 69 68 69 70 70 72 72 73 74 87 96 107 110 109 115 115 115 115 117 117 116 112 108 107 107 93 91 77 76 75 74 72 73 73 69 63 62 58 58 57 56 55 57 58 58 64 64 60 57 57 57 56 56 56 57 57 64 64 62 60 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 51 51 50 50 50 51 51 52 52 52 51 50 44 44 47 47 49 48 50 49 47 46 46 45 43 43 43 42 41 45 64 74 76 77 78 79 84 84 83 83 83 81 73 67 59 58 57 57 57 57 56 56 56 56 56 56 56 57 57 57 60 58 60 59 58 59 62 63 63 64 64 62 62 63 64 68 70 70 70 72 72 74 74 75 75 76 77 84 87 94 96 100 109 112 115 115 116 118 116 117 121 142 143 141 138 141 142 139 133 132 131 130 124 124 122 113 112 110 112 111 111 111 112 112 110 108 99 99 100 103 104 107 109 109 110 112 116 119 121 122 122 125 126 126 126 131 131 133 133 133 128 127 127 123 123 124 124 124 125 127 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 131 131 132 133 133 136 137 139 139 140 140 139 136 136 135 134 130 129 132 135 134 133 130 130 142 143 150 152 152 155 154 154 154 154 154 153 153 153 153 155 157 157 156 155 149 147 144 154 154 152 152