The Zwart Water – Borrekens Castle loop from Nijlen

The Zwart Water – Borrekens Castle loop from Nijlen

Hard

5.0

(2)

riders

The Zwart Water – Borrekens Castle loop from Nijlen

05:06

86.6km

160m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.25 km

Netekanaal Towpath

Highlight • Cycleway

good stretch of tarmac, to be avoided on Sunday when the weather is nice: loads of freds

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35.5 km

Natuurreservaat Lovenhoek

Nature Reserve

51.6 km

Sandy section near the Toeristentoren

Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park

This part of the permanent mountain bike route runs over a sandy surface. In dry weather this requires some technical driving experience. You can see the tourist tower beautifully here.

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Tip by

58.0 km

Het Zwart Water consists of a fen with woods on the edge, gale thickets, willow breeches and lean grassland. In the middle of the water there is a floating platform that birds like to use to rest and build their nest. Long ago, Zwart Water and its surroundings were an open dune landscape where the wind had free play. Sand was blown away to a hard layer in the subsoil, after which it collected around it to form dune ridges. The hard layer did not let water through and thus gave rise to a pool. Peat, better known as peat, developed in this area, which gave the water a dark color. Hence the name "Black Water".

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58.9 km

Singletrack in the Forest

Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park

One word: Blissful. Nice piece (choose) of the many.

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60.9 km

De Put (Herentals)

Highlight • MTB Park

You can dive into the hole with the MTB, but getting out will take more effort. You can also go down to the right in front of the well via a track and around the well and come back up just along the well.
With a bit of luck you can enjoy the Telenet cyclo-cross team, which regularly trains there.

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65.3 km

Singletrack Near Het Zwarte Water

Highlight • Trail

This quiet singletrack near Het Zwarte Water in Herentals winds narrow and gracefully through the forest, surrounded by dense greenery and moss-covered tree trunks. The path offers a relaxed ride with soft turns and slight elevation changes, perfect for taking in the calm beauty of nature.

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74.0 km

Borrekens Castle

Highlight • Castle

The castle has been the pride of Vorselaar for centuries. Around 1270 the first stone was laid by the knights of Rotselaar. The ground plan has been largely preserved to this day. The castle is home to a treasure trove of history and stories, and has been inhabited ever since by noble families. The walking and cycling paths around the castle grounds are a major attraction in the municipality. The castle is surrounded by a green oasis. The beautiful Lindendreef takes you from the church of Vorselaar in a straight line to the castle. To keep the peace in the forest, traffic is not allowed here.

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77.3 km

Grobbendonk Watermill

Highlight • Monument

Grobbendonk's water mill is located at the confluence of the Kleine Nete and Aa and is one of the most beautiful hammer mills in the Kempen. This 13th-century battle mill still grinds daily, oats and barley are crushed for horse feed. Until today, the mill is only powered by water power, which is unique for Flanders

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86.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types