The best gravel rides around Westerlo
4.4
(88)
3,057
riders
24
rides
Gravel biking around Westerlo, a municipality in the Belgian province of Antwerp, offers diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The region features extensive gravel stretches, often with minimal traffic, allowing riders to explore scenic surroundings. Key physical features include paths along the Grote Nete river, historical castles like De Merode Castle and Abbey Tongerlo, and nature reserves such as Varendonk. The terrain varies, providing options from mostly paved, moderate paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
Best gravel bikeβ¦
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.8
(5)
37
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
26
riders
37.3km
02:11
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
riders
58.9km
03:22
200m
200m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(1)
12
riders
20.7km
01:10
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
4
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Small bridge over a romantic little body of water...
4
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This bridge over the big hot stream connects Westerlo village with the Kaaibeek road.
5
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Colored bike path through the forest...
6
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Beautiful windmill on the heath of Gijmel and Langdorp. The windmill has been very well preserved because it has never been destroyed or burned down. This is a good place to rest for a while, as there are several benches here.
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Beautiful windmill on the heath of Gijmel and Langdorp. This mill has been very well preserved because it was never burned down or destroyed. There are several benches at the mill to rest for a while;
3
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Beautiful cycle path along the Weefberg in the Averbode forest.
3
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The Heimolen is a post mill dating from 1662, located on Windmolenstraat in Gijmel/Langdorp, Aarschot, and is owned by Natuurpunt. It is one of the last 130 wooden windmills remaining in Flanders. What makes it special is that it has remained in the same location since its inception and has never been destroyed by fire or war. The current structure of the Heimolen is almost entirely original. The fact that the mill has never been thoroughly renovated is evident not only from inscriptions inside the mill but also from various historical documents. Moreover, the mill itself reveals its origins: it is one of the very few windmills with a straight chapel roof β after 1700, curved chapel roofs were common everywhere. The mill is open to the public: All year round, every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The mill is open on these days, but not in operation. During these hours, visits and tours of the Heimolen are free. For tours outside of these hours, you can make an appointment with one of the volunteers. A fee of β¬2 per person is charged, with a minimum of β¬50. To schedule a visit, please contact: Bert: 0476/23 27 90 Luc: 016/50 12 13
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Westerlo?
Westerlo offers a diverse network of over 30 gravel bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's an adventure for every rider.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Westerlo?
Yes, Westerlo has several routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Jeanne de Merode Castle β Path Along the Grote Nete loop from Tongerlo is a moderate trail that is mostly paved, offering a pleasant ride through the Grote Nete river area.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see on gravel rides in Westerlo?
Gravel rides in Westerlo traverse a variety of natural landscapes. You'll encounter scenic paths along the Grote Nete river, explore extensive forests, fens, and heathland, particularly around areas like the Averbode Forest and Heath Ponds, and pass through nature reserves such as Varendonk and Het Zwart Water.
Are there any historical landmarks or castles along the gravel routes?
Absolutely. Many routes incorporate historical sites. You can cycle past the impressive De Merode Castle, a historic residence with a beautiful English landscape park. The Entrance Abbey Tongerlo β De Merode Castle, Westerlo loop from Westerlo, for instance, combines physical activity with cultural sightseeing around both Abbey Tongerlo and De Merode Castle.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Westerlo?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Westerlo, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, the diverse terrain means routes can be enjoyed year-round, though some segments might be more challenging in wet or winter conditions.
Are there any circular gravel routes in Westerlo?
Yes, many of the gravel routes in Westerlo are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Varendonk Nature Reserve β Achter de Bergen Singletrack loop from Westerlo offers a moderate circular ride through varied terrain.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Westerlo?
The gravel trails in Westerlo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the quiet gravel stretches, and the combination of natural beauty with historical landmarks.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the trails?
Yes, the region offers several scenic spots. The paths along the Grote Nete river provide picturesque views, and areas like the De Paepekelders Tourist Tower offer elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape. The English landscape park around De Merode Castle is also a beautiful area to explore.
Can I find challenging gravel routes in Westerlo?
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Westerlo has several difficult routes. The Path along the Grote Nete β De Merode Castle, Westerlo loop from Zoerle-Parwijs is a demanding trail traversing diverse landscapes, including the Grote Nete river and De Merode Castle, and can take over 4 hours to complete.
Are there options for combining gravel biking with cultural experiences?
Definitely. Westerlo is rich in cultural heritage. The Abbey of Tongerlo, a Norbertine Abbey, offers an opportunity to experience spirituality and culture, with an experience center, monastery cafΓ©, and bakery. Routes often pass by or near such historical sites, allowing for a blend of physical activity and cultural exploration.
Where can I find parking when planning a gravel bike ride in Westerlo?
Many of the routes in Westerlo start from towns or villages like Westerlo, Tongerlo, or Zoerle-Parwijs, where public parking is generally available. It's advisable to check specific starting points for detailed parking information when planning your tour.
Are there any routes that pass through nature reserves?
Yes, Westerlo's gravel routes frequently take you through its beautiful nature reserves. You can explore areas like the Varendonk Nature Reserve and Het Zwart Water, which feature fens, heathland, and diverse flora and fauna, providing a tranquil riding experience.
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