The best running trails around Denderleeuw

You can't get through here at high tide.

Scenic towpath along the meandering Dender River. The towpath is narrower than other towpaths, which can lead to precarious situations on weekends between pedestrians, runners, recreational cyclists, and athletic cyclists.

Ninove, which acquired city rights in the 14th century, was defended by a castle, a tower, and an earthen rampart, interrupted by four city gates. The gates provided access to the city via the four main approaches: the Brabantse Poort on the road from Brussels, the Geraardsbergse Poort on the road from the city of the same name, and the Kloosterpoort on the road from Aalst. The Koepoort provided access to the Nederwijk (hence also called Nederwijkpoort), the Kouter, and the Dendermeersen. In peacetime, all gates served as housing for the poor, a storehouse for powder and weapons, and a prison. By the end of the 18th century, three of Ninove's four city gates had been demolished. Where they once stood, you now find reminders: a fountain with two turrets (Brabantse Poort), a work of art (Geraardsbergse Poort), and two memorial stones (Kloosterpoort). The Koepoort's survival from demolition likely stems from the fact that it stood least in the way of the city's systematic expansion. The Koepoort, first mentioned in 1397 under the name "Warmoespoort," was completely rebuilt around 1600. It was constructed of sandstone from the quarries of Geraardsbergen and, after its restoration, officially served as the city prison. Because, unlike the other gates, it lacked a drawbridge, an earthen rampart was built around it in times of war. After its function as a city prison, the Koepoort successively housed the city's volunteer fire department and the library. It was then used as a venue for socio-cultural organizations. However, the ravages of time took their toll, and the building required a complete and thorough restoration, both interior and exterior.

piece of path along the Dender that you pass between Liedekerke and Ninove

Piece of lock at Denderleeuw towards Aalst

In 1859 it was decided to make the Dender navigable for ships of 300T along its entire course. The Teralfene lock is 41.85 m long and 5.20 m wide so that ships of 300T can be locked (passing through a lock). All locks between Ath and Aalst have approximately the same dimensions. All these locks are also still manually operated. Like all locks on the Dender, the Teralfene lock is also a weir lock. This means that there is a weir next to the lock. In contrast to canals, the water flows into the river. When the lock gates are closed, the water must be able to flow further. The Dender has 12 locks and one tidal lock in Dendermonde. The drop (difference in height) is 1.6 m to 2.8 m. The Teralfene lock is the smallest because the drop is barely 60 cm. The water level in Aalst is 50 cm lower than the water level behind the Teralfene lock. The Teralfene lock will most likely be demolished during the planned modernisation of the Dender. The water level upstream would drop. This is positive for the industry and the residents who are located upstream and regularly have problems with flooding. Source: https://toerismeaffligem.be/blikvangers/dender.html

The water can rise dangerously high here.

With the right weather you get beautiful reflections in the water here.