The Old Bleaching Grounds and Congo Canal

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8.9 km • Mol

2.0302 2 5/5

8.9 km

route offered by

Eddy & Rita

Icon starting point Addresse starting point (approximate)

Feynend 135, 2400 Mol, BE

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The route is fully signposted with nodes.

Icon description route Description

We took this hike on 15/02/2026 (12,898 steps).

This wooded route partially goes through the 'Oude Bleken' area. The name 'Oude Bleken', combined with this specific landscape, seems to point to the use of this zone in the bleaching or blanching industry. The very pure and mineral-poor water was used to bleach textiles, often in a semi-industrial setting.

Via the 'Muizenberg', one passes the 'Nuclea Golf Club'. Approaching junction 56, we made a short detour to take in a beautiful stretch of the 'Congovaart'. The canal was constructed at the end of the 19th century and was intended as a passage for shipping for all adjacent companies.

After a stretch of paved path along the canal from Bocholt to Herentals, you dive into the forests of the Study Center for Nuclear Energy, walking a bit over marshy terrain.

More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pkfEikSW64ie4yui9

Happy hiking,
Eddy, Rita, and Prinske

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