The best gravel rides in Abdij Van Westmalle
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Gravel biking in Abdij Van Westmalle features a network of trails primarily traversing flat to gently rolling terrain. The region is characterized by extensive woodlands, such as the Zoerselbos, and open agricultural fields. Gravel routes often follow unpaved paths, forest tracks, and quiet country roads, providing a varied surface for cycling. The landscape includes historical elements like the Westmalle Trappist Abbey and sections near the Anti-tank canal.
Best gravel bike trails in Abdij Van Westmalle
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Zoerselbos – Westmalle Trappist Abbey loop from Sint-Antonius, a 30.9 miles (49.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 19 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers a blend of forest paths and views of the historic abbey.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Anti-tank canal – Antitank Ditch Antwerp loop from Sint-Antonius, a moderate 29.7 miles (47.8 km) path. This route explores the area around the historic Anti-tank canal, featuring open landscapes and varied surfaces.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Zoerselbos Gravel Trail – Zoerselbos loop from Sint-Antonius, a 12.7 miles (20.4 km) trail leading through the Zoerselbos forest, often completed in about 1 hour 16 minutes.
- Gravel biking in Abdij Van Westmalle is defined by dense woodlands, open fields, and historical waterways. The network offers options for easy gravel bike trails for beginners, as well as more challenging gravel biking distance for experienced riders.
- The routes in Abdij Van Westmalle are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 90 reviews. More than 2,000 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Abdij Van Westmalle's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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23.3km
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Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures in Abdij Van Westmalle
Tips from the Community
History The chapel was erected in 1626. At that time, the region was plagued by a pest epidemic. Legend has it that about 60 inhabitants of Oostmalle fled the village with the disease to the heath at Zalfen. Adriaan Mattheeusen, an inhabitant of Zalfen, who lost some of his children to the epidemic, was obliged to bury them in the heath and erected a chapel in their memory. Soon, the chapel served for funeral services, and the dead were buried in the adjacent cemetery. The chapel soon became an attraction for pilgrims. For this reason, it was enlarged in 1726 to its current appearance (see upper part in the side gable dated by means of sintered stone). The chapel is depicted on Ferraris' cabinet map (1770-1778) on a triangular plot of heath. A loop of tall trees surrounds the chapel. On Vandermaelen's map (1846-1854), the chapel is located south of the Salphen road, amidst a triangular forest plot. Description The Sint-Antonius chapel of Salphen is located south of the Salphen road, an old avenue of predominantly tall English oaks (Quercus robur), and is surrounded by tall trees (mainly Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris). It is an oriented brick chapel with a three-sided closed west facade and a lower rectangular choir under slate gable roofs (ridge parallel to the street) with a bell tower. On the east side, there are two tuit-gables on shoulder pieces with crenellations. On the north side, there are rectangular windows and a basket-arch door and a basket-arch door. The plastered and painted interior has a wooden frame with a tie beam. The furniture includes an altar from the 19th century and a painted wooden statue of Saint Anthony Abbot (late 15th or early 16th century).
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The St. Anthony's Chapel is a chapel in the hamlet of Zalfen, located near Salphen, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Malle. Nearby Oostmalle was hit by a plague epidemic around 1625. Around 60 sick people reportedly fled to the heath. A certain Adriaan Mattheeusen, who lost three children to the disease, had to bury them on the heath and built a chapel for this purpose. This chapel was soon also used for funeral services, and the deceased were buried in a nearby cemetery. The chapel attracted pilgrims and was therefore expanded in 1726. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Antoniuskapel_(Zalfen)
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The Visbeek Valley is a nature reserve in the Antwerp Kempen region (Lille and Beerse) that is unique in Europe for its intact landscape and small scale. The area is managed by Natuurpunt and is known for its diverse mix of fens, heathland, forests, and meadows.
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pleasant picnic area with brand new oak benches, both under cover and outdoors.
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good gravelride, a few km's, double-track, in the mid of woods and fields, away from habitation, skimming along an old NATO-airfield (never used, cause sand from nearby dunes could be blow up the runways an damage motors, which is a no-go for a military airfield). To gravelride can be extended by several km's to almost the village of Oostmalle by taking the Salphensebaan once arriving in the smal hamlet of Salphen.
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De Loteling is nestled in the wooded Zoersel district and offers an oasis of peace and relaxation for those seeking it. Be aware that it can get quite busy here.
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It's always worth taking a closer look...
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More information about this historic farm and the link with Hendrik Conscience and his novel "De Loteling": https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_loteling
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Abdij Van Westmalle offers a wide selection of gravel bike trails, with over 100 routes available. These range from easy to challenging, ensuring options for all skill levels.
Are there easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Yes, Abdij Van Westmalle has several easy gravel bike trails perfect for beginners. A good option is the Zoerselbos Gravel Trail – Zoerselbos loop from Sint-Antonius, which is 12.7 miles (20.4 km) long and primarily leads through the Zoerselbos forest.
What are some more challenging gravel bike routes in the Abdij Van Westmalle area?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Zoerselbos – Westmalle Trappist Abbey loop from Sint-Antonius is a moderate 30.9 miles (49.7 km) route that combines forest paths with views of the historic abbey. Another moderate option is the Anti-tank canal – Antitank Ditch Antwerp loop from Sint-Antonius, covering 29.7 miles (47.8 km) with varied surfaces.
Can I find circular gravel bike trails in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Many of the gravel bike routes in Abdij Van Westmalle are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Zoerselbos – Gravel Track Near the Airport loop from Sint-Antonius, which is an easy 25.9 km loop.
What kind of distances can I expect on gravel bike trails in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Gravel bike trails in Abdij Van Westmalle vary in distance. You can find shorter loops around 12.7 miles (20.4 km) like the Zoerselbos Gravel Trail, or longer routes extending up to 30.9 miles (49.7 km) such as the Zoerselbos – Westmalle Trappist Abbey loop.
Are there family-friendly gravel routes in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The region's generally flat to gently rolling terrain makes many routes suitable for families. Look for the 'easy' graded trails, which often follow quiet forest tracks and unpaved paths, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. The Westmalle Castle – Forest Path Near the Brewery loop from Westmalle is an easy 25.2 km route that could be a good option.
What scenic viewpoints or natural features can I expect on the gravel trails?
The gravel trails in Abdij Van Westmalle often traverse extensive woodlands like the Zoerselbos and open agricultural fields, offering peaceful natural scenery. You might also encounter the Hegte Heyde Nature Reserve, providing opportunities to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks to see along the gravel bike routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near the historic Westmalle Trappist Abbey. You can also explore areas around the Anti-tank canal, a significant historical feature. Other points of interest include the Drieboomkensberg Pilgrimage Site and the Sint-Bernardus Chapel.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Abdij Van Westmalle, with milder temperatures and beautiful seasonal foliage in the woodlands. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially on shaded forest paths, while winter rides are possible but may involve colder temperatures and potentially muddier conditions.
What are the typical trail conditions for gravel biking in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The gravel trails in Abdij Van Westmalle primarily consist of unpaved paths, forest tracks, and quiet country roads. Surfaces are generally well-maintained, but conditions can vary with weather, especially after rain, when some sections might become muddy. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking near Abdij Van Westmalle trails?
Parking is typically available in and around the main towns and villages that serve as starting points for many routes, such as Sint-Antonius or Westmalle. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot or by checking local municipality websites.
Are there cafes or places to refuel near the gravel bike trails in Abdij Van Westmalle?
Given the region's popularity, you'll find various cafes and eateries in the villages and towns surrounding the trail network, particularly in Westmalle itself. These are ideal for a break or to refuel before or after your ride. The area is also known for its Trappist beer, offering a unique local experience.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Abdij Van Westmalle?
The gravel biking routes in Abdij Van Westmalle are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from nearly 90 reviews. Riders frequently praise the peaceful atmosphere of the woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the blend of natural beauty with historical landmarks.
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