5.0
(1)
18
riders
Straalmolen on the Grote Nete – Malou Memorial Cross loop from Meerhout
02:05
36.4km
60m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
8.05 km
Straal
Forest
8.61 km
Straalmolen on the Grote Nete
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
11.1 km
De Waterhoek, Balen
Highlight • Cafe
De Waterhoek is a small piece of Kempen paradise. The delicious Kempen cuisine takes you out of everyday life and lets you enjoy typical Kempen dishes.
You can relax on the large garden terrace. Children have toys that demand to be used. There is no time for screens here.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
18.6 km
Mary chapel among old lime trees
Highlight • Religious Site
Historical explanation: traditionally, a lime tree was chosen to the left and right of the chapel. The religious status of the lime tree goes back to pre-Roman times: at that time, they believed that the lime tree was a sacred tree. To this day, lime trees are the most common trees near chapels. They are said to offer protection, peace and comfort.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
20.5 km
De Vennen trailhead & picnic area
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
21.4 km
Malou Memorial Cross
Highlight • Monument
Let's go back in time:
On September 11, 1944, 10 residents of Schoorheide were shot. Two of them escaped this atrocity, albeit seriously injured. They were taken by handcart through the Balen fields during the night to the Gasthuis van Balen, where they were secretly cared for by local doctors. Ferdinand Ruymaekers (+1978) and Victor Gypen (+1989) carried the drama with them for many years and were able to tell the next generations about this atrocity.
Facts:
On September 11, 1944: German soldiers execute 10 Balenaren
1944 - 1945: Establishment of the Memorial Cross (Calvary) and Memorial Monument (Churchyard of Schoonheide)
1945: Victims reburied in the cemetery of Schoorheide
11 September 1945: Inauguration of the Memorial Monument in the Cemetery of Schoorheide.
Information can be read on site.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
23.9 km
Rest Area by the Pond
Highlight • Rest Area
25.1 km
Adventure Centre - Balen
Highlight • MTB Park
Translated by Google •
Tip by
30.8 km
Iverans Fietscafé
Highlight • Cafe
Translated by Google •
Tip by
36.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
16.5 km
15.2 km
2.36 km
1.77 km
507 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
22.6 km
10.0 km
1.38 km
1.34 km
889 m
142 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 8 July
27°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free