Hiking in Westmalle

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of ancient forests and explore the centuries-old Westmalle castle

The surroundings of B&B De Kasteelhoeve offer delightful hiking opportunities. We’ve crafted a 5 km trail that combines the beauty of the dark forest in Westmalle with a passage along the centuries-old estate of Westmalle Castle, which has been protected since 1977 as a cultural-historical landscape.

However, the Kempen region also boasts ten excellent walking networks with a user-friendly junction system. We recommend two walks from the junction system (see below).

Kempense Hoven

The “Kempense Hoven” walking network offers 480 kilometres of walking pleasure in the heart of the Antwerp Kempen. This network lets you discover the most beautiful and enjoyable hiking paths in Beerse, Brecht, Lille, Malle, Ranst, Rijkevorsel, Schilde, Schoten, Vosselaar, and Zoersel. The name refers to the ‘hoven van playsantie,’ the former country residences of the urban bourgeoisie and the castles of the local nobility. The numerous beautiful castle estates are often set in equally picturesque surroundings. Near B&B De Kasteelhoeve, you’ll find such a castle, Westmalle Castle, formerly known as Hof Ten Driessche. Our own 5 km hike (see above) takes you past this castle, as do the junction walks “Steenovenpad” (see below). In addition to castles, villas, and forts, the various junction walks will lead you through diverse natural landscapes, including old clay pits, towpaths along the canal, beautiful heathland, the pristine Antitank ditch, or the legendary Zoersel Forest. The walking network map and a handy inspiration booklet are available for purchase at our B&B.

Steenovenpad

The Steenovenpad walk of 6.5 km, passing by several historical buildings in Westmalle, can start right at B&B De Kasteelhoeve. Through the beautiful castle avenue, lined with majestic summer oaks, you walk to the main entrance of Westmalle Castle. Behind the castle, you continue on charming field paths between green fields. Once in the centre, you can explore Westmalle’s folk history, including the statue of ‘Den Tieter.’ Then, you pass by the Saint Martinus Rectory through the beautiful rectory garden. Follow junctions 78 – 95 – 18 – 32 – 96 – 95 – 94 – 76 and 78.

10 km on "slow lanes" with the Bindjespad

This trail, created by the municipality of Malle in collaboration with the Heemkundige Kring of Malle, takes you along numerous “slow lanes” —safe and pleasant paths or roads for walkers, cyclists, and riders. They often have historical significance and may not even appear on the street map. They connect fields to the village, industry to agriculture, and, in the case of Malle, Oostmalle to Westmalle. As it connects the town, this walk is named “Bindjespad.” A significant portion of the route is unpaved, so it’s advisable to wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes in case of rain. Request the brochure with the fully described route at our B&B.

New: castle walk

Since 2024, Westmalle Castle’s surroundings have been open to visitors. Discover the rich history and impressive architecture during a short castle walk mapped out by the municipality of Malle. Scan the QR codes along the way for fascinating information. Start the route at the information board behind the entrance to the domain. Follow the map to find all the information boards.