55 km

The first few kilometers take you through the Giels Bos and then the Grotenhoutbos. On your way to the valley of the Aa, trees give way to meadows and pastures. The watermill in Tielen is the most photogenic stop along the Aa.

Next, you’ll reach the Kempen Ridge. This significant ridge in the landscape separates the valley of the Aa from that of the Kleine Nete. In the otherwise flat Kempen region, this hill provides some relief. You’ll cycle over forested sand dunes. Don’t miss the turn to the Tourist Tower in the middle of the forest. From the wooden tower, accessible via 112 steps, you can climb up to the observation platform and enjoy views stretching up to 30 kilometers.

Two kilometers further, you’ll reach the Grote Markt in Herentals. In the center of the square stands the cloth hall with its belfry—evidence that Herentals was once a wealthy and influential city. The Zandpoort and Bovenpoort are remnants of the medieval city walls.

The confluence of the Kleine Nete and Aa rivers occurs at the old watermill in Grobbendonk. From there, you’ll point your compass north again. You cycle through two more village centers, Vorselaar and Lille. The rest of the route leads through the countryside—fields, meadows, and the occasional patch of forest.

Around the church in Lille, you'll find a few brasseries where you can stop for a drink. If not, you can continue cycling straight to De Lilse Bergen. After winding through the open space between Lille and Gierle, De Lilse Bergen will appear once more.