Warmbeekvallei - orange - 6,5 km

Begin your adventure at the historic Trappist abbey 'Achelse Kluis'. First, visit the visitor center for fascinating information about the abbey and its surroundings. The hiking route takes you along the picturesque banks of the Warmbeek, with breathtaking views of the abbey and the surrounding meadows. 

Hike through fragrant pine woodlands to Domein De Bever, where you can enjoy the serene pond and a snack or drink at the hospitality venue. For families, there is a fun children's hike with playful elements that are also part of the orange route. 

Further on, you pass Laathoeve, where you will see a beautiful chestnut avenue on your right, a favorite spot for bats. Highly recommended to visit here on a sultry summer evening! The route leads you through the quiet Hamontse woodlands to the stately access avenue of the Achelse Kluis, where you end your hike at the starting point. 

The Valley of the Warmbeek 

The Warmbeek springs in Peer and flows through Hamont-Achel, with a drop of 9 meters over 8 kilometers. At the Dutch border, its name changes to Tongelreep and it ultimately flows into the Dommel near the Genneper Parken in Eindhoven. 

Thanks to remeandering, this area now acts as a water buffer, where the river may flood during high tides. Between the Tomp and the Mulke, the riverbed was relocated for a mill pond, essential for the operation of the watermill during dry periods. 

In 2015, fish ladders were installed at the former watermill Mulke, allowing fish to swim upstream again to their spawning grounds. Upstream of the fish ladder, a 'spawning riffle' has been created, ideal for rare stream fish such as the chub and the bullhead. 

Come and experience the diversity of the Orange Hiking Loop and the beautiful Valley of the Warmbeek!