Ascents and castles in Haspengouw

Last updated on 31 May 2019: the route now passes through the Alden-Biesen Castle estate instead of bypassing it. And in Widokie, the route has been adjusted a bit.

This route passes through the Haspengouw, say the Betuwe of Belgium, but with the difference that it is a hilly area where you can find climbs from 10 to 50 meters high. In addition, there are many concrete roads in this area that are only accessible to cyclists and agricultural traffic. This means that after rainy periods (especially at harvest time), these roads can be muddy. Sand can also escape from surrounding fields (there are usually no ditches between fields/orchards and these concrete roads). In early spring, when the fruit trees are bearing their flowers, it's really fantastic to cycle in this area. And finally, on this road you will pass many castles (in Hoeselt, the large estate of Alden-Biesen Castle, Herenelderen Castle, Neerrepen Castle, Kolmont, Widooie Castle, Bommershoven Castle, Schalkhoven Castle and Hardlingen Castle).

Following the route clockwise, you get the following climbs for the wheels:
- Letenberg,
- Winterbergstraat,
- Grand-Spouwen,
- Pebble forest near Genoelselderen,
- Verhenis,
- Vrijhernberg,
- Kolmont,
- Goose Mountain,
- Vechmaalberg,
- Mont Saint-Martin,
- Jekerdel,
- Haringsberg,
- Bollenberg (an old Roman paved road, the road consists of a two-lane concrete track),
- Pullenberg,
- Zammelenberg,
- Hoogveld,
- Hardelingenstraat or Hardveldberg.

Most ascents are on average 3 to 5% with max. gradients of up to 7%. However, the Letenberg is a little steeper (avg. 8%), the Bollenberg goes to the maximum. 13%, the Pullenberg at max. 9% and the Hoogveld up to 10%.

There are two 100-metre-long cobbled strips along the route: on the grounds of Alden-Biesen Castle and a little before the start of the ascent of the Bollenberg.

There is also a longer version of this route with more climbs (and more castles).