We pack up our Packraft, but the adventure is not over yet! Before you leave, look back. That way you can see where you were sitting and check that you haven’t forgotten anything. Nothing forgotten? Then we continue our trek on foot, surrounded by vast fields and fertile farmland. This region, between Aarschot and Zichem, is known for its agricultural activities. You will see numerous farms growing various crops such as potatoes, corn and sugar beets. The alternation of fields, meadows and forests makes this hike particularly attractive. Keep
consider the winter period or a period of heavy rainfall. The area quickly floods, making it less to no accessible. They let the areas flood locally so that a fertile silt remains on the land, which is important for agriculture. After 19.5 km you pass Testelt station. We pass a coffee house ‘Statiehuis’ where you can have a drink or if you want to buy another bottle of water, you can do so at newspaper shop Kurt. There is also a chip shop nearby: Bart’s corner. In the middle of Testelt we walk past the St. Peter’s Church. This church was built in 1845 and is mainly constructed of iron sandstone. Shortly after, we cross the Demer again via the bridge of the Dijk. Once you pass the elementary school ‘t stokpaardje, you see a sculpture across the street: Ernest Claes. Ernest Claes was a Belgian writer, born in Zichem (1885). He is best known for his colorful and often autobiographical stories that explore the life of the common man in the Flemish countryside. Claes’ style is characterized by his vivid descriptions and a sense of humor, which makes his work accessible and relatable. In his books, Ernest Claes was inspired several times by the nature reserve “the Demerbroeken” through which we walked. We walk over the small bridge with the underlay mill that we have just seen from a distance and soon we arrive back at the parking lot. Did you come by train? Then walk a little further to the station.