This small Kempenroute is - however small - a pearl in beauty. Enjoyment is the key word here while the Kempen landscape passes under the wheels.
This is a route that you do at the beginning or end of the season, or just when you want to do a quick tour or catch up with friends.

The route excels, not only in simplicity, but also in beauty.

The start is a bit 'dry' at the Carrefour in Turnhout and you have to accept that bit of 'big track'. But soon you turn into the fields and the Kempen pleasure begins...

The country roads are pleasant to drive and the load changes are often present. Nicely taking bends, corners, it's all part of it.

A first stop can be made at the Retie watermill and if you are not very familiar with the area, it might be a good tip.

On the Witte Nete there is a picturesque, functioning grain water mill.
Although the oldest mention only dates from 1633, this mill site probably already existed in the 14th century. The current brick mill house dates from 1765 and replaces a wooden construction from 1658. Legally, it was a so-called ban mill. Such mills were under the supervision of the lord of the village; every subject was obliged to have his grain milled there and to give part of the flour as tax in kind to the sovereign lord. In the Middle Ages, mills therefore radiated a certain power and influence.

The watermill is of the undershot type. This type was most suitable for the slow-flowing watercourses in the Kempen.
In order to increase the driving force and the speed of the water, a weir and lock were built. At the height of the lower quarter of the wheel, an artificial current was created. Both the internal and external installation of this watermill are completely intact and the watermill can be visited on certain days.

After this possible stop we continue towards Geel through the typical Kempen landscape of farms and vast fields, surrounded by sturdy oaks.

In Geel-Larum we find the Bailey bridge of Mosselgoren over the cinnamon Herentals-Bocholt. The Bailey bridge owes its name to the Briton Donald Bailey, an employee at the British Ministry of Defence. Building model bridges was his great hobby and in 1943 a model of him was first performed 'live' in Italy and with great success. A Bailey bridge consists of standard components that can be assembled very quickly and only with human strength. Cranes are not necessary. They are also very strong, making heavy transport possible and they easily span up to 60 metres. The military importance is therefore quickly found....

After the Bailey bridge we arrive at 'Den Thijs' a pleasant Kempens café where it is good to stay along the water and on the terrace. The dishes are particularly tasty and the prices reasonable. Recommended to relax pleasantly.

After 'Den Thijs' the Kempen treats you to a sublime stretch of asphalt... The urge to return and ride it a few more times is normal, don't worry.....

After passing through Tielen, the tour ends with another lovely Kempen country road, after which you return to civilization and the car park at the Carrefour.