‘Steengoede Sporen’ walking route | Myths & Legends
The ancient area around the Kleine Beerze near Vessem is a peaceful place. How different it must have been 10,000 years ago! The people who lived here made their living from hunting. Using spears and other weapons, they hunted animals. Their flints were used to kindle a mysterious, dancing fire – for cooking, for warmth and to sit around together. Flints that were unearthed years later…
The Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who live around this river…
The ancient area around the Kleine Beerze near Vessem is a peaceful place. How different it must have been 10,000 years ago! The people who lived here made their living from hunting. Using spears and other weapons, they hunted animals. Their flints were used to kindle a mysterious, dancing fire – for cooking, for warmth and to sit around together. Flints that were unearthed years later…
The Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who worked, lived and passed by this river have changed. On this route, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the hunter-gatherers who once lived in this area. Put on your (waterproof) walking boots and set off from the edge of the cosy village of Vessem. Walk through the wooden gate and you’ll immediately enter the grassy, flat stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Here you’ll find yourself in the habitat of the black-tailed godwit, the meadow pipit and the yellow wagtail. Mice, toads and frogs are also found here. And perhaps – if you’re lucky – you’ll spot a roe deer at dusk. You’ll walk along paths, over little bridges and on boardwalks, passing the spot where, long ago, a real hunters’ camp must have stood…
The final section of the route takes you through Vessem, where you can enjoy a lovely cup of coffee at one of the local cafés or at the Jacobushoeve: traditionally a stopping place for pilgrims. A lovely way to round off your walk and reflect on everything you’ve seen and read. Do check the Jacobushoeve’s opening hours in advance, as the farm is only open at certain times.
Kleine Beerze: A stream valley full of stories
For over 10,000 years, the Kleine Beerze has attracted passers-by who have stayed there for shorter or longer periods. Hunter-gatherers, Romans, gnomes, pilgrims, marauders, pedlars and – nowadays – walkers.
Where there are people, stories come to life. Let yourself be carried away along five circular walks through the enchanting stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Discover myths that sought to explain supernatural phenomena, and mysteries that remain unsolved.
In search of top-notch (flint) stones
In the stream valley of the Kleine Beerze, traces of hunter-gatherers have been found in the form of stones. Around 10,000 years ago, these travellers left behind hundreds of worked flints here. The flints were used as tools and, of course, to make fire. Stories were no doubt told around the campfire too. Which ones? We can only guess.
Even today, passers-by leave carved stones behind. These are walkers who leave a stone with personal significance before setting out on the mythical journey to Santiago (or St James) de Compostela. Marvel at the stories behind the stones you’ll find behind the Jacobushoeve. And follow in the footsteps of the walkers. After all, every camino begins with a single step.
Experience exciting local tales in Brabant
In Brabant, myths and legends live on. Beautiful routes take you past the most impressive spots where local tales come to life. There are five routes centred on the myths and mysteries of the Kleine Beerze, the Holy Oak, the Mysterious Coin Hoard, the Beerse Strijkster, Steengoede Sporen and the Roman burial mound. Are you brave enough to set off on a journey of discovery through Brabant with these Myths & Legends routes? View all the routes here.
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Signposting for the ‘The Mysterious Coin Hoard’ themed trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the light blue signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Mysterious Coin Hoard route.
Signposting for the ‘The Mysterious Coin Hoard’ themed trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the light blue signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Mysterious Coin Hoard route.
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Starting point: Kleine Beerze, Vessem
Hoogeloonseweg
5512 Vessem
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46
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34
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83
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19
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18
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28
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50
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87
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47
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84
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48
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85
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21
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46
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End point:
Starting point: Kleine Beerze, Vessem
Hoogeloonseweg
5512 Vessem
Navigate to the destination
- 46
- 34
- 83
- 19
- 18
- 28
- 50
- 87
- 47
- 84
- 48
- 85
- 21
- 46