Bierbeek Route (Leuven) (18 kilometers)
Description
This trail runs across the town of Bierbeek. It intersects with connecting trails in
Boutersem and Hoegaarden. You’ll ride past picturesque streams, meadows and
woodland. You’ll also encounter a number of protected farmhouses and chapels in a
rural setting.
The starting point is kerk van Lovenjoel (1), which stands between Salve Mater and
Ave Regina parks, where the Bruulbeek flows. Along Bruulstraat and
Wetterbeekstraat lies the wildlife sanctuary of van Weterbeek (2). This damp
woodland was planted with trees from Canada, and hosts countless varieties of birds,
frogs and amphibians.
From the Brent hamlet’s chapel, take Katspoelstraat. Katspoelhof (3) stands on the
right hand side. This protected farmhouse, built in 1429, features a unique circular
shape that surrounds a rectangular courtyard.
Ride through Neervelp in the direction of Opvelp until you arrive at Onze-LieveVrouw Bifstand chapel which was dedicated to soldiers killed in action. Along
Vinaafstraat, note a “percolating reed field” (4) whose reeds are renowned for their
purifying effect on water.
Ride past two enclosed farms, Blauwschuurhoeve and Tienmeelhoeve, until you reach
the hamlet of Bovenheide. The Bierbeek (5) water towers, although of lesser
historical significance, feature a remarkable reservoir shaped in the form of a globe.
On the return trip, ride to Lovenjoel, and pass by KULeuven’s zoological center (6).
This farmhouse once belonged to Salve Mater hospital. In 1978, it became a research
center on animal welfare. The tour ends in CC’t Sticheltje (7).
Translation done by P. Charpentier