Go with the flow cycling route

The day’s adventure takes us into what can be likened to two-river country. Where the rivers Scheldt and Durme meet, we cycle along the water, through nature parks, past castles and polders. Where necessary, the ferries provide us and our bicycles with a helping hand.

This cycling adventure brings with it a wonderful mix of blue and green: two rivers and a beautiful green landscape. The start of our journey immediately reveals both of these assets. We get on our bicycles in the village of Tielrode, a borough of Temse. We start to pedal and move off along a beautiful dedicated cycle path. To our right, the Durme and Schelde converge. To our left we see the green flood plain Tielrodebroek, a natural habitat for many water and wading birds.

We roll along peacefully, a smile on our faces, and soon reach the next green gem. The Schouselbroek is an impressive polder area covering some 150 hectares. This was one of the first polder areas along the Scheldt, the river that cuts Flanders in half. The interplay of the tides makes it a valuable mudflats and salt marsh area today. The snooker table-flat path along the river leads us towards Rupelmonde, the birthplace of Mercator (1512-1594), the spiritual father of cartography. From there, we pass the Graventoren, a remnant of the moated castle where the man was once imprisoned. Today, there is a museum dedicated to him. Right next to it, we see the historic Tide Mill. Driven by ebb and flow, it grinds wheat, rye and tree bark. This 500-year-old protected monument still works today.

After this historic intermezzo, we head back towards the greenery: the Polders of Kruibeke. This is the largest flood plain in Flanders. The cycle path cuts right through it and it is a great place for walkers too. Newly constructed paths lead you through a beautiful, varied landscape of mud flats, salt marshes, alder thickets and meadow bird habitat. We meander delightfully through the landscape. We cycle for about an hour before we come to a stop by the Scheldt. The route continues on the other side of the river, but there is no bridge to be seen in the vicinity. Fortunately, the ferry is already there, sailing at least twice per hour from one bank of the river to the other. We step on, walking our bicycles on board. A few moments later we can cycle on again, now on the right bank of the Scheldt.

We are pedalling again in a familiar environment: the traffic-free, spotless asphalt path along the Scheldt. And so we meander through the green landscape until we encounter another river. Here is where the Rupel flows into the Scheldt. Once again, a ferryboat takes us safely to the other side. We resume our journey along the Scheldepad, until an unusual structure suddenly appears on our left. This magnificent pavilion bears the name De Notelaer. It was built in neoclassical style at the end of the 18th century. It served as a hunting pavilion and a festive reception location for the noble d’Ursel family. If you want to take a closer look, then cycle back for a couple of minutes. There you can turn right onto the stately Notelaerdreef. Over cobblestones and between long rows of trees, you make your way to d’Ursel Castle. This striking, ochre-yellow moated castle was the family’s summer residence for almost 400 years.
A little further on our journey along the Scheldt, an irresistible detour beckons. Because, just two kilometres away, there is Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde Castle, an elegant castle with entrance bridge, turrets and a moat. It is also worth going inside. Among other things, this castle houses the world’s largest private collection of engravings by Flemish Master Pieter Bruegel.

After these two side roads, we take a break from exploring. From now on, we remain true to the route that is marked out. Now we reconnect with the classic decor of this cycling adventure: the blue, the green. We resume our journey along the banks of the Scheldt and have come to the last 10 kilometres of our trip. Here we take another ferry. Third time’s the charm, as the saying goes. And so is it here.

A few minutes later we are on the other side. There we pedal gently on. It’s amazing, but even after two and a half hours, this landscape still feels fresh. We cannot get enough of this beautiful necklace with so many green and blue gems, in the elongated Scheldt Valley River Park. We pedal further, whistling happily, past the Durmeschorren and the De Bunt nature reserve. The historic Mira bridge takes us over the Durme. And now we really have reached the end of our journey. We arrive in Tielrode and get off our bicycles. Tired, satisfied and full of energy. We are eager for more.