The first few kilometers present a classic view of the Kempen: forest, forest, and more forest. At least, as long as you forget about the E34 for a moment. The roar of traffic is quickly absorbed by the dense Grotenhout Forest, one of the oldest forests in the Kempen.

Afterwards, the landscape changes. You head towards the Aa, a stream that runs through the municipality of Lille. In Gierle, you could just about jump over the river, but we are grateful for the bike bridge. It’s the first of four bridges over the Aa. The third crossing is certainly the most photogenic. It’s located near the watermill of Tielen. Old books mention the mill as early as 1428. The current mill building is said to be 250 years younger. You’ll notice how the Aa was diverted via a man-made canal to turn the mill wheels.

After the Tielen watermill, you’ll jump over the Aa for a fourth time. The river has been straightened in several places. Today, small landscape interventions are made to try and keep the water flowing upstream for longer.

The route then winds and meanders along rural paths around Poederlee. In the hamlet of Zittaart, notice the old Kempen barn with a thatched roof on your left. In the Lilse hamlet of Broekzijde, you’ll pass the protected slag mill. Be careful on your right side, as it’s easy to miss. This slag mill is used to press oil from rapeseed or mustard seeds, and even from nuts.

You cycle back through the center of Lille. There is also a mill proudly standing in Gierle. This bike route doesn’t pass directly by it, but you can visit it by following the route at the junction.