The best MTB trails around Hulst

The Stropersbos is located right on the Belgian-Dutch border and forms a whole with the Clingse Bossen, as the forest on the Dutch side of the border is called. The history of the forest dates back to the 13th century. This means that the forest has experienced wars, and from one of those wars, the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), very clear traces can still be seen: there are still a number of remnants of the Line that served here in 1701. A little further north, there are also remains of Fort Sint-Jan (from which the Dutch municipality Sint-Jan-Steen derives its name). But even if you are not interested in that history, the Stropersbos is a special place, both for the tree and plant lover, the birdwatcher, the playing child, the boot-wearing walker who likes to trudge through mud, the bivouacker, ... and everyone who simply enjoys a walk. There is a good chance you will encounter wild horses, pass grazing sheep, or that - who knows, maybe you'll be as lucky as I was - roe deer or a fox will cross your path. In short: a very beautiful hiking area ...

De Kouterwegel was the very first to win the Grage Weg Award, an initiative by the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen, which aims to reward inspiring slow roads that people not only use functionally, but which also invite an experience. De Kouterwegel is part of the Kaboutermolenpad, a special route that distinguishes itself through its pronounced experiential value, according to the award jury, an example of how slow roads can entice people to consciously choose a detour, purely for the sake of the experience. After all, a slow road is more than just a connection between two points. It is a place that stimulates one or more senses, that connects with the environment and that attracts users through its unique character. The Kaboutermolenpad - Kouterwegel succeeds in this, according to the jury, with flying colours. Along the path, playful gnome figures create wonder for young and old. Visitors can stop at a chapel that invites rest and connection, or enjoy a break at a nearby café. The unpaved path is simultaneously barrier-free and accessible to everyone, and is clearly signposted. The route winds through a varied and quiet landscape, where a rich palette of scents and colours constantly stimulates the senses. This is what can be read on pers.oost-vlaanderen.be... a recognisable report, but during my passage I thought: I hope that the prize money from the Grage Weg 2026 will be used to restore the gnome figures, which here and there are in considerable need of repair or beautification.

An ideal stopping point on your cycling or hiking experience: Step back in time and discover a hidden piece of history: Fort Sint-Jacob. This fascinating remnant from the Eighty Years' War takes you back to a period when borders were still fought over and waterways made the difference between safety and danger. Located on the Passageule, this fort once formed a crucial link between the Spanish Netherlands and the States' territories. As part of the impressive States-Spanish Lines, Fort Sint-Jacob guarded the border and held back enemy infiltrations from the north. After the Peace of Münster, the fort lost its military function and slowly faded into obscurity. Nature took over, until around 2010 it was restored with care and respect for the past. Today, you can once again experience the contours of the past, including a replica of a cannon that symbolises the struggle that was once waged here. But Fort Sint-Jacob is more than just history. It is a place where peace and nature meet. The ramparts and moats now form a unique landscape where special plants and animals feel at home, typical of the brackish Zeeland area. Whether you are walking or cycling, this is an ideal place to pause, enjoy, and let yourself be carried away by the past. Let yourself be surprised and experience Fort Sint-Jacob for yourself.

Information about the Stadsmolen This grain mill was built in 1750 for the city council of Axel according to specifications by Pieter Telle. Contractors were Pieter Paulus and Jan Hoelands. This mill was built on the site of a wooden city mill that burned down in 1747. Axel has a rich history, but unfortunately much has disappeared due to the urge for renewal. This mill was dismantled to its shell in 1911, after which a mechanical mill (with two pairs of millstones) was set up inside. Around 1980, the first plans for a complete restoration were made, but it took some time before more happened. In 1995, the municipality bought the mill from Mr. Misseghers (who had been operating the mill for years). In 1998, the large-scale restoration started. First, the masonry was carefully restored and in some places completely renewed. The next step was the new stage. In the autumn of 1999, the cap, windshaft, tail and gears were mounted. The pair of 17-inch millstones comes from the mill in Ossenisse; the 16-inch English millstones come from a mechanical mill in St. Jansteen. A very remarkable historical component in this otherwise largely new mill is the windshaft, the PvO no. 616. This was ordered in 1869 for the lower mill of the southern three-stage gang of the Driemanspolder in Stompwijk (near the present-day Leidschendam), but disappeared from there as early as 1877, when this gang was demolished and replaced by a steam pumping station. Before ending up in Axel more than 120 years later, this windshaft served two other mills. Source: https://www.molens.nl/ontdek-molens/alle-molens/stadsmolen-te-axel

Nice piece

When there is enough wind, the Axel mill from 1750 turns on Saturdays. The flour is used by the Axel bakers to bake the delicious mill bread.

This forest area offers a beautiful trail for mountain bikers who like a challenge. The Clingebos is a beautiful and varied nature area, where the combination of forest, hills and open field forms an ideal playground for MTB enthusiasts.

A short single track through green area near Belsele.