4.8
(31)
96
hikers
Circuit de l'Arbre à clous — Parc naturel des Plaines de l'Escaut
01:26
5.58km
30m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: August 12, 2024
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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375 m
Mer de Sable State Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
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539 m
The Nail Tree of Stambruges
Highlight • Natural Monument
There are now two of them carrying the wishes and hopes of recovery. The oldest, a black locust tree, fell to the ground in 2009. However, we continue to drive nails into it and leave personal objects, toys, clothes, shoes, bandages... These are the famous "rags" that we also find hanging to chapels, calvaries, springs in the region… The second, a younger oak, its “replacement” is right next door. Some “rags” also hang from the trunk to end up on the ground, a sign of healing according to tradition. But obviously, the old locust tree, even dead, still largely retains the votes of pilgrims.
You will notice the nails embedded in the bark. The rag trees of Stambruges would in fact be related to the tradition of nail trees, a tradition formerly common in northern France and Belgium. Originally, we just drove a nail into the tree, the menhir or the statue... By reciting a prayer or making a wish. Easier to deposit, more personal, rags have gradually taken over.
The rag trees of Stambruges are both invoked for the healing of skin diseases, rheumatism, childhood illnesses, to make it easier for babies to walk or the healing of wounds... We do not know when this belief dates back. On the other hand, when we look at the photos taken at the beginning of the 20th century, the locust tree, to the right of the chapel, does not yet seem to be covered in rags.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.54 km
Stambruges Forest
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5.58 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.35 km
191 m
Surfaces
2.43 km
1.70 km
1.22 km
191 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 4 September
21°C
12°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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