Cotthemroute

The Cotthem hiking trail is a series of valuable cultural heritage and rural natural beauty. It connects Sint-Lievens-Houtem, known for its market and annual market, to the green and wooded Cottem and the neighboring villages of Hillegem (borough of Herzele) and Oombergen (borough of Zottegem). Central to the course are 'Cottembeek' and the 'Baleiheuvel', the latter as a suddenly emerging prelude to the Flemish Ardennes.

Start:
On the Market Square of Sint-Lievens-Houtem, near the town hall.
Another possible starting place is at the church of Hillegem, a borough of Herzele.

Distance:
The route is 12.5 km, via the Oude Heerweg the route can be shortened to 8.5 km. If you want to walk a little longer, choose the extension along Oombergen and 14 km of walking pleasure.

Practical:
There is plenty of parking space on the Market Square, also at Hillegem church. Bus connections are available from Zottegem, Ghent and Wetteren or by dial-a-bus. Good walking shoes are dependent on the slightly hilly course and on the numerous rural roads.
The route is signposted with hexagonal signs on wooden poles except for the extension via Oombergen.