Whenever we head towards the Ardennes, we always pass through this area. That gentle, rolling landscape between Tienen and Hoegaarden, where vast fields stretch to the horizon and the sky seems endless. Hageland. Every single time I think: we should stop here. We should come back and hike this.

This time, we finally did.

And it was such a pleasant surprise. Not spectacular in the Ardennes sense of the word—no steep climbs or rushing rivers—but that’s exactly what makes it so special. The landscape is peaceful and spacious. Wide grain fields, wildflower-lined verges, and winding sunken lanes that lead you beneath a canopy of trees as if you’re stepping into another world.

The timing couldn’t have been better. The poppies were in full bloom along the barley fields, their vivid red petals glowing against the golden grain beneath a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop for a moment—at least it did for me. This is exactly the kind of scenery I love most.

For such a relatively short route, the walk was remarkably varied. You cross wide-open farmland with sweeping views, then suddenly disappear into a narrow forest trail, pass through an orchard, and climb to a viewpoint overlooking the rolling Hageland countryside. Small villages, a beautiful church rising in the distance, and those characteristic Belgian hiking signposts gently guiding you through the landscape every step of the way.