Hiking in the valley of the Merkske

The Merkske, a tributary of the Mark, is an authentic winding brook. It forms the natural border between the Netherlands and Belgium and between the Noorderkempen and North Brabant. Wood webs and blackberry walls, flowery grasslands, ponds, heathery grasslands and lots of black alders, who like to stand with their feet in the water, adorn the landscape. The Agency for Nature and Forest, Natuurpunt and Staatsbosbeheer, guarantee more than 1900 hectares of special nature and landscape.

The Merkske guarantees pure enjoyment.
The border brook flows through a brook valley full of life. For a long time this region was a forgotten corner, so it escaped human intervention. You will find peace in a small-scale landscape where silence predominates and where there is no room for asphalt and concrete. Children come on an adventure and find out for themselves why they had to put on those boots. Rare plants make this area a treat for any nature lover. In the valley of the Merkske we even find traces that go back to the stone age. Because the area has escaped the scaling up and straightening of rivers, nature was able to preserve a rich fauna and flora in peace and the landscape is unique.

There is no shortage of amphibians in the Merkske.
The alpine newt, lesser newt and great crested newt are just a few species that occur. The tree frog and the garlic toad do well after restoration of the landscape and reintroduction. The brook valley provides ample food and protection for many birds such as golden oriole, bluethroat, yellowhammer, woodcock and nightingale. Great egrets, spoonbills, black-tailed godwit and curlew roam around the fens and pools. If you look closely, you will discover traces of a deer or predators such as fox, ermine, polecat or weasel.

Wortel Kolonie is also part of the area. With its typical lanes, it is ideal to come and enjoy the peace here, various walks have been mapped out. If you want to go hiking in the stream valley, be sure to bring boots as it can be very wet here. 

Suggested hikes in the Merkske Valley.

5.2 km - Rond Bootjesven
Through dreven, around fens, through woods and heath.
Start: Parking De Klapekster Visitor Center, Kolonie 41, Wortel (Hoogstraten).

9.6 km - Halsche Beemden
Crisscross over the Merkske in a varied landscape.
Start: Parking De Klapekster Visitor Center, Kolonie 41, Wortel (Hoogstraten).

7.3 km - Heikant and Ginhoven (+ 4.7 km)
Along two old hamlets, grain fields and remnants of a motte castle.
Start: Parking De Klapekster Visitor Center, Kolonie 41, Wortel (Hoogstraten).

6.5 km - De Broskens
Small-scale landscape with pools, hedgerows and meadows.
Start: Parking space between Baarle and Zondereigen on the dead wire.

7 km - Het Moer
Broekbos and wet grasslands where the Noordermark rises.
Start: Parking at road at Weelde 51, Merksplas.

4.8 km - Hoogmoerheide
Walking through forests and dry heather.
Start: Parking at road at Weelde 51, Merksplas.

Walking shoes or boots recommended. Dogs on a leash are allowed, with the exception of the Hoogmoerheide route, dogs are not allowed here.

Click here for the brochure.