First published: 01/07/20.

Clyde 0

Hoge Kempen

Hoge Kempen (On tentative list)

Hoge Kempen by Clyde

In June 2020 I visited a number of locations of this tentative WHS up for inscription in 2022, namely Eisden, Maasmechelen, Connecterra, Terhills and Mechelse Heide. I had already visited the area several times previously but for shopping and the nearby Herentals Belfry.

Terhills and Connecterra have a visitor centre (entrance 3 euros) which were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the various hiking trails are open 24/7 so I mainly visited to have a closer look at the pithead frame of the former Eisden mine (possible to climb for a panoramic view - not worth the effort), and what is marketed as “the most beautiful view in Flanders” at Connecterra which has retained four of the spoil-tips, three of which are accessible. Their green tops offer a worthwhile view of the landscape surrounding Terhills, the beautiful ponds and the peaks in Belgium's only national park. The view of the surrounding landscape is remarkable mostly because nature claimed back this large industrial area (in an otherwise flat landscape) but not worth travelling for. The huge shopping outlet, and especially the nuclear plant in the distance, are still quite an eyesore, and even in Belgium itself, there are better nature reserves for nature panoramic views such as Het Zwin just outside Knokke.

After a long road trip, we had planned to enjoy a short hike and picnic at another "highlight" of this tentative WHS, the Mechelse Heide. There's a free parking lot and information boards at the entrance, no entrance fee, and already a tentative WHS plaque gearing up for inscription. It seems to be a popular place among locals who love mountainbiking. We went for the blue trail which was relatively easy and on a sunny day hiking shoes are not necessary. The highlights during our visit were the purple/pink heathlands partially in bloom (even though usually best time is mid-August to mid-September) and the 360 degree panoramic views over the former gravel and sand pits.

The views reminded me of similar landscapes to be had in Zollverein WHS, Germany and even around the Wallonia Mining Sites in Belgium itself, even though nature here seems to be easily taking over when compared to the other inscribed sites. I don't think that the site has any OUV to warrant inscription. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually gets inscribed seeing how other industrial WHS got inscribed recently such as the one in Indonesia. 

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