Pants pad

The valleys of the Molenbeek and the Wildebeek were at that time typical swamp areas, so-called trousers. Although this moist subsoil has today been reduced to the immediate vicinity of the watercourses, the stream valleys remain of great ecological importance.

Some striking points along the route.

1. Due to the strong population growth and the dilapidated state of the old Romanesque church, it was decided in 1869 to build a completely new church on the Welleplein. The new church, Sint-Pieters-Banden, was inaugurated in 1874. Among other things, the use of narrow buttresses resulted in a striking height effect. Behind the church is still the original cemetery of the parish that was put into use in 1874 when the church was built.

2. There is nothing to suggest that the trouser park, which opened in 1982, was built on a former landfill. During the construction, a lot of attention was paid to creating a feeling of openness with a view of the surrounding nature and agricultural area. For the planting, local trees and shrubs were chosen. Meanwhile, the construction of new youth infrastructure for youth house Pingie, Chiro Welle and KSA Welle was also started. The opportunity was taken to also build a Finnish piste, which is 1,150 kilometers long.

3. The Hof ter Blokken or Hof ter Blokkingen is a former tenant farm that was built at the beginning of the 15th century. The farm was owned by the lord of Gavere. Like most farms from that period, this one was built according to the principle of the Flemish style: houses and stables were located under one roof. The site has been heavily renovated, but the layout was largely retained.

Practical : Adapted footwear is recommended in rainy weather, specifically for crossing Molenbeek. If too wet, the road can be shortened by continuing to follow the Kapellestraat.