Route: Wijerstrail (Belgium)

Overview
The Wijerstrail is a 110 km long-distance trail through De Wijers — the “Land of 1,001 ponds” in Limburg. It was designed as a 5-day walking adventure, but the full circuit can also be covered in a single continuous run. The route highlights wetlands, heath, forests, heritage sites, and quiet rural paths. Official info: wijerstrail.be

Route Summary

• Distance: 110 km

• Stages (walking format):

  1. Bokrijk → Abdij van Herkenrode (21 km)

  2. Abdij van Herkenrode → ZLDR Luchtfabriek (25.7 km)

  3. ZLDR Luchtfabriek → Kelchterhoef (16 km)

  4. Kelchterhoef → De Maten (26.1 km)

  5. De Maten → Bokrijk (~21 km)

• Start/Finish: Bokrijk (Hasselt/Genk area). Accessible by train (Station Bokrijk) or by car (parking at alternative stage starts).

• Terrain: Pond landscapes, heathland, mixed forest, rural lanes, canal towpaths.

• Features:

  • The famous “Cycling through Water” section at Bokrijk.

  • Nature reserves like Platwijers, Wijvenheide, Kelchterhoef, and De Maten.

  • Historic sites including the Abdij van Herkenrode and ZLDR Luchtfabriek.

• Navigation: Waymarked for walkers; GPS track recommended for speed attempts.

• Difficulty: Flat to gently undulating. Paths can be muddy after rain; boardwalks and dikes cross the wetlands. No river fords or water crossings.

• Access: Public trail, no permits required.

Notes for FKT Attempt

• Designed as a 5-day hike but runnable in one push.

• Resupply possible at villages and stage transitions.

• Seasonal variation: wetlands can be slippery in wet weather, insect-heavy in summer.

• Supported/self-supported/unsupported attempts possible under FKT rules.