Warmbeekvallei - orange - 5,9 km

Start your hike at the starting point 't Mulke or Haarterheide and discover the rich history and nature of the area. Along the way, you pass 'de Waag', a historic site where milling rights were once managed. Here you will also find the geological garden, a unique collection of mainly Belgian rocks, displayed along a circular path that symbolizes the geological timescale of the rocks. Continue your route and discover a prehistoric burial mound site from the Bronze Age. Hike through the higher pine woodlands and enjoy the peace and nature.

The Valley of the Warmbeek

The Warmbeek springs in Peer, twenty kilometers to the south, and flows through Hamont-Achel, dropping 9 meters over a distance of 8 kilometers. At Sint-Huibrechts-Lille, the stream crosses the Bocholt-Herentals canal and changes its name to Tongelreep at the Dutch border, eventually flowing into the Dommel at the Genneper Parken in Eindhoven.

In the past, the meanders of the Warmbeek near Achelse Kluis were straightened and diked to drain water faster. Thanks to recent remeandering, this area now functions as a natural water buffer, allowing the river to flood during high water levels.

Between Tomp and Mulke, the riverbed was diverted for the construction of a mill pond of about 7 hectares, essential for the operation of the watermill during dry periods. In 2015, fish passages were installed at the former watermill het Mulke, allowing fish to swim upstream again to their spawning grounds. Upstream of the fish passage, a 'spawning riffle' was created, ideal for rare stream fish such as the common nase and the loach.

Come and enjoy this versatile hiking loop and the beautiful Valley of the Warmbeek!