Early to half December and I was hiking in a shirt. The fens were about as dry as during high summer. Groundwater levels still need plenty of rainfall.
The construction in the center is an observation post (locally known as fire tower). At almost 140ft high two platforms (40 and 80ft) are open for public. The top floor is reserved for volunteer observers and equipment. Earlier this year cameras have been installed with AI to detect wildfires at the earliest stages as far as 20mi away.
Can you tell Vincent van Gogh was from this area? Or is it my imagination linking the Dutch painter to this natural phenomenon. If Vinny was still around it might even be attributed to him. Like Banksy’s being created overnight. Surely pumpkin spice is not that popular in the Lowlands, is it?
I walked a portion of the border. These old, stone border markers are still present.
The newer ones are painted black and white and have a date (1843) and number on them. This path was probably created by border patrol. On some sections left and right aligned with barbwire (some are either private property, hunting grounds or to protect vulnerable areas). Obviously smugglers would not “walk the line”. In order to preserve nature, walking the pathways is mandatory. If you desire to rebel, have the balls to punch up, not down!
This specific fen (Kriekelaarsven – Bird-Cherry Fen) used to be much larger.
Tomorrow I plan to hike the three largest fens in the park to document the water levels. Stappersven, almost identical in English so I assume you can deduce, is the largest and on my last visit, you could walk about 30ft from the shoreline without getting wet feet. The other, Putse Moer (Marsh of Putte, which is a place name) was partly dried up. The third is Drielingvennen/ Klein Moerken which translates as Triplet Fens or Small Marshy. It consists of three separate fens that often become one large fen.
In preparation of multiple day hiking trips I boarded a train. In the Lowlands we have a concept ‘treinstapper’, take the train to a certain destination, hike wherever you like (mainly parks and greenways – we call them “slow roads” as motorized vehicles are not allowed) and take the train back home. The word ‘treinstapper’ is self-explanatory since the Dutch language loaned ‘trein’ from English and ‘stapper’ entered the English language via Germanic influence.
Train has a fascinating etymology with different meanings over time.
I believe it was my first visit to the Medieval city of Lier. The city is linked to (Belgian) Saint Gummarus. The red figure left of Lier is their nickname: sheep’s heads. If you want to know why, read here. After military campaigns (and perhaps his wife) he had enough of humanity, I assume. The city grew up around his hermitage. Stories, legends, folk tales can be easily found on the www. Duke Henry 1 of Brabant granted Lier city rights in 1212. Thanks to textile industry many regions in the Lowlands boomed in 12th and 13th century. And then the 80 Years’ War happened, I know, a recurring theme and it was a temporary downfall for current Belgium and the Netherlands. Lier bounced back thanks to their cattle market, breweries and textile factories. In 1580s English a lier-by was a mistress. Also no links to the word lyre (lyrical) derived from Latin Lyra which is also the Roman name given to the city. A nationally renowned author and poet described Lier as “where three meandering Netes (river) tie a silver knot”. The Big Nete and Small Nete become the (Nether-)Nete.
I barely took any photos in the city as it was their annual November funfair. This one above is also pretty famous, the Zimmer tower with its many dials.
Next port of call is Duffel (yes, you do recognize it, don’t you). Celtic presence might indicate that the town’s name was given by them, “Dubro” meaning water. Just like Lier, many artefacts were discovered but from times when writing was deemed not important or non-existent. Duffel got immortalized worldwide for the coarse woolen cloth. Or rather thanks to the English language. I don’t see anyone asking for a “duffeljas” (jacket) or duffeltas” (bag) in Dutch shops…
From the textile industry I venture into brickmaker’s territory. Obviously both requiring a continuous flow of water, the latter also needs clay. Does it surprise anyone that many fishing clubs are present? The many claypits have been repurposed as ponds and nature sites. Plenty of efforts were needed since – back in the day – the pits were used to dump all sorts of trash, including asbestos. The soil is still being monitored.
And last in line is Boom. Like Rumst, Boom is famous for its bricks. I have written about Boom here.
The hike was just over 15.5mi and I ended up crossing the river by ferry boat (notice similarities with the Dutch ‘veerboot’?). No, the verb to veer is from French. In Dutch we have adjusted veder to veer. In English the word transformed to feather. Neither feather nor veering is relevant. Language and its evolution can be rather confusing but it keeps me occupied on the road. The scenery was stunning though and many areas have been re-designated to flood plains.
In Belgium we have a saying: A Belgian is born with a brick in his stomache. Just to say everyone wants to build his or her own house. The brickmaker’s industry requires much less (human) manpower and plenty have found out – the hard way – that you simply cannot build wherever you want. A colorful history mixed with life lessons.
A truly fascinating region wedged between capital Brussels and Europe’s second largest port: Antwerp.
In case you want to walk the Camino, and opt for Via Brabantica, you will pass by this region (if you choose the original route and not a shortened version).
Almost a month into autumn and nature looks the same as mid August (caused by heat stress). It has rained just a little, not even enough to create puddles in what used to be fens. In a few weeks I hope to show you another photo with the fen as it is supposed to look like.
I presume park management was already putting up “do not skate” warnings this time of year some thirty years ago.
This morning I decided to combine 4 short trails: Dragonfly trail, Caterpillar trail and Forest trail, plus Butterfly trail completely. Totaling just over 5.5miles
ForestDragonfly and CaterpillarButterfly
I started my tour at a bike parking next to “Den Doodendraad” (death wire), commemorating WW1.
Dragonfly info sheet (Celtic.Belgae style)
The Dutch “libel”, is from Latin libellula, meaning a certain insect. It is also the diminutive for libella which translate as level (horizontal) and the diminutive of libra, also level or scales (i.e. zodiac). 16th Century biologists named the creature since it looked like their equivalent of a level. The English ‘libel’ is also from Latin ‘libellus’ meaning something like “little book, pamphlet, written accusation, etc”, the current meaning “false or defamatory statement” is from 1610s, the legal sense is first attested 1630s.
Yes, English is a Germanic language with Nordic/Norman and French (read: Latin) influences. Quite equal to Dutch however the Vikings were not so interested in our swampy heather fields as they were all but ideal for farming. Latin definitely was quite a difficult language. Dragonflies have been – mainly hovering – on earth for about 300 million years and are quite prevalent in our park they are facing extinction due to climate change, wildfires and drought. Having survived several mass extinctions, a human made one might be their swan song. According to IUCN Red List of threatened species more than 48,600 species are threatened with extinction… Yes, read that again and please. Please do not hesitate to do whatever you can: contribute, educate, organize litter collection parties, etc
Butterfly
At the refurbished visitor center De Vroente, starts another quite unique hiking trail for the visually impaired: Butterfly. In the visitor center you can also borrow simulation glasses and walking sticks.
A dry fen
The whole trail has those logs as guidelines. I hiked the trail earlier this year in Feb. Due to excessive rainfall the trail was barely safe for an able bodied person: I remember ankle deep in mud, slipping and tripping. However the path is generally well maintained. I don’t assume the path is daily maintained though.
Butterfly fact sheet (aye, my style)
In Dutch we call it a “vlinder”. Quick study shows the lowlands had a multitude of dialect names per region. The oldest written source (1397) calls it a “capelle” (like chapel). Derived from Middle Latin “Cappa” (= cape) but got in disuse with the popularity of “vlinder”.
Dutch writer Multatuli also named them “kapel” in 1870. Some dialects even named it ‘summerbird’ (like in Nordic languages) or even ‘owl’ (initially just for moths, what we call night “vlinder”) but also some onomatopoeia variants. The local names rapidly decreased in the last 50 years.
Seems like butterfly is one of those animals that does not have a common name. I mean many regions already had their name for it. I don’t see much overlap;
Albanian – flutura (some Belgian dialects also had the “fl” sound)
Amharic – birrabirro
Anglo Saxon – fifoldara (imagine using this, more poetic word, instead of butterfly)
Arabic – faraasha
Cheyenne – hevavahkema
Farsi – parvaneh
French – papillon
Gaelic (IE) – féileacán
Gaelic (SC) – dearbadan-de
Galician – volvoreta
Italian – farfalla
Rwanda/Burundi/Suaheli – ikinyugunyugu
Aztec – paplotl
Spanish – mariposa
Tiwi – kwarikwaringa
Turkiye – kelebek
Welsh – iâr fach yr haf (literally “little summer hen”)
The English caterpillar comes from French “chatepilose”, literally “shaggy cat”. Funnily, the Swiss Germans call it “devil’s cat”, some refer to a dog and the Portuguese even “lizard”. In Germanic languages a (boring) variant of “rups” is in use. Not dozens of poetic names like the previous.
The Caterpillar Trail is another unique one since it offers physically impaired people the opportunity to (re)discover or relive past experiences or memories in the heather fields. The visitor center provides an electric all-terrain wheelchair if needed.
Forest
Mixed feelings about this one. Forest trail will be very challenging (and fun to hike) in winter and especially after extensive rainfall. Unfortunately the fen Putse Moer was still mainly empty as top photo proofs. Most of the forest is pine and not specifically local. These were planted throughout the region. Not sure if all pine trees were suitable but they were used in mining. Apparently these beams creak big time giving you ample time to flee before the roof collapsed. I assume not many people wonder why these trees are present. Nobody will be surprised the landlord sold the story as “I gift you a forest” and neglected to inform them it is an investment, not so much for amusement.
Dragonfly
At about the Putse Moer, where I took the first picture I connect to the Dragonfly Trail. I already started to wonder if all winged insects are called something -fly in English. It is just a coincidence I combined dragonfly and butterfly trails.
Belgium exists since 1830. The name is much older. The Romans called the area Gallia Belgica, hence Celtic Belgae. The etymology of the ethnic name Belgae comes from Proto-Celtic meaning “to swell” particularly with anger/battle fury. Belgians still pride in being named “the bravest of all Gauls” by a certain illustrious Julius Caesar (“Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae”). Interestingly Gallia Belgica is located on European mainland by the Romans, the Celtic Belgae later migrated/raided/ventured/colonised (depending on source) modern Winchester area, southwest England, extending into Somerset and Avon.
People worldwide are familiar with the Dutch and their efforts to battle the elements, specifically water and wind. The province is called West Flanders, named after the highly successful medieval principality in the southwest of the Low Countries, now included in the French (Upper France region), The Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders, and the Dutch province of Zeeland (literally Sea Land, you might recognize New Zealand now). In less than 300 years the area has three distinct languages and multiple dialects. In the French area the older generations still speak and/or understand Flemish. Before the euro they region even accepted Belgian currency and you may have heard of train station Lille-Flandres. Unfortunately current borders reduced the number of Flemish speakers. Perhaps need to inform that the local dialects are pretty difficult for other Flemish and Dutch speakers.
War enthusiasts, history buffs, pensioners meet nature lovers
Did you really believe the Belgian coastline was just apartment blocks? Well, not entirely… Can I entice you by mentioning I barely saw people on my hikes? It was mainly dogwalkers.Yes, it was September (school has restarted for primary and secondary education) but there was still plenty of tourists, most from neighboring countries.
If you want to educate yourself on life in war, how civilians lived and survived, etc our coastline offers plenty. Most known is perhaps Atlantikwall Raversyde but also Ypres will ring a bell (or the last post) and Flandres Fields, but there is more.
One specific nature area was man-made to protect the people from foreign invaders, in this case Spaniards (80 Year’s War). The trail is called Ostend’s Creeks hiking trail:
The Sea Beggars* or Geuzen (in Dutch), which were actually the local elites robbed by the same Spaniards, broke the dykes which created these creeks.
* Britannica, as many people, seem to forget that whatever is attributed to the Dutch is not only current the Netherlands as if Belgium rose out of the sea in 1830, or fell out of the sky. Just saying since (County of) Flanders’ city of Bruges golden era was succeeded by Antwerp (Duchy of Brabant) golden period and then, thanks to the same Spaniards most of Antwerp citizens fled north where (coincidentally?) Amsterdam experienced their golden era. The rebels were not just “Dutch”.
Also worth noting that this (photo above) is how most of the coastline is supposed to look. Forests were man-made. Many areas are being restored to its natural state. Bizarrely it is cause for dispute between nature activists. I really understand people being upset that trees are being removed. They actually do not belong there… Those trees were planted for aesthetic reasons and also exotic plants have escaped from gardens. I found this article with more detailed information (seems like many coastal areas suffer the same faith): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1113876/full
Besides the GR footpath (long distance hiking trail) Coastal path, I hiked many other trails. This one is quite high on many popularity lists even nationwide.
Ter Yde literally means “at the harbor” but think way back to a time before modern maritime facilities, so natural harbors (to protect medieval ships during storms). Local place name often reveal plenty about how the area was like when it was named and how it has changed. The trail is located in Koksijde (ijde, ide yde all mean the same) but the area no longer has any natural harbor. The first part of the place name is difficult to explain. The current landscape is not as it was, neither is our language. No, no links to the English cock nor the current Dutch word for chef (kok) or where do you think your word for cook comes from? Further up the coastline, in current Zeeland, is also a Koksijde. Why is it so difficult to understand? As I mentioned the 80 year war was the reason for many grievance. Basically religion was the culprit. Since it was mainly monks who could write and “scorched earth policy” was already in use, not everything could be replicated later. Hence many different points of views, theories, etc. Hypotheses include the cockle (mollusc), the name of the owner of the first shipping company as locally plenty of toponyms start with cox-, “kok” was also used for a round mound or dune. Local history also informs me that the actual town moved several times over the centuries which obviously makes it more difficult to make an educated guess.
The trail itself takes you right to the seadyke and into the dunes. The highest dune is nearby but not include in this hike. I assume it would be less popular otherwise. Unfortunately the final quarter is through residential area.
In Middelkerke, right next to Ostend, this hike will take you from marina Nieuwpoort (Newport) via De Ganzepoot (responsible for inundation) to Field battery Bamburg, Schuddebeurze. The name Schuddebeurze might refer to the dangers you might encounter when on the road. ‘Schudden’ translates to ‘shake’ and ‘beurs’ is pretty similar to ‘purse’. I ended my hike with the same amount of money as I started. I was however unaware the hike was war-themed. The drawing on the waymark only started to make sense once I noticed the field battery.
Many surprising guests once lived in De Haan (house below). On top of that this place has a list of famous inhabitants or residents. The man in the picture resided a few months in De Haan awaiting his boat to the new world. He even invited Aldous Huxley over, among many others.
Are you familiar with Tintin? Auguste Piccard, another genius professor, was inspiration for the character, resided in De Haan during Easter holidays. Perhaps a lesser known royalty, empress Zita, vacationed in Wenduine, De Haan, during her stay in Belgium. Until, yes, Nazi Germany invaded Belgium. Official website link: https://www.visitwestvlaanderen.be/en/de-haan-heritage-walking-route
This path translates unsurprisingly as waterside path. From Bredene dunes you reach the port of Ostend. Lange Nelle (Long Nellie) is closed for public but a landmark for the city of Ostend. Another piece of history is Fort Napoleon, dating back to a time when the region was under French rule and had to be defended from the English. You walk next to a flushing basin but – apparently – never used for that reason. Nowadays it is a recreational area with many ornithologists and wildlife spotters. Bredene is nationally known for its nude beach and the coastal tram has a stop called “campings”. Worth noting best way to travel at Belgian’s coast is the coastal tram.
Perhaps the most deceptive name for a hike as you barely see the Yser. I hiked this trail in the final days of the first storm of the season which resulted in a few amazing photos.
During storm Amy, the first of the season
The trail leads past a couple of ornithologists nests as I call them, I guess the English name is viewing screen over the estuary. The trail rounds a military terrain. As I was staying nearby this trail I did hear some of their “exercises”. Quite unusual to hear gunshots. The trail is balanced: beach, dyke, coastal town.
My personal opinion
During my visit I was – as a native Dutch speaker – switching my language from Germanic (greeting in Dutch or German is quite similar) to French according to the region. The upper region (especially Knokke, not Heist though) and the southern part (Westhoek or from Nieuwpoort to the French border) I adapted to French. All the rest was Germanic. English is also a Germanic language but “hi” and variants are not done. I have done several sort of social experiments on greeting. Cultural differences have surprised me. In our wee Belgium and neighboring countries. If your only language is English, you will generate more friendly feedback from a simple “good morning/day”, literally comprehensible for many Germanic languages. Bear in mind I am an introvert (ASD) so I will rarely initiate a conversation but a greeting, gesture, nod or smile is the least you can do, no? To acknowledge another individual and a show of respect. It changes when you pass a group of people, then I usually just nod.
Belgium has a coastline? Aye indeed, just a small strip of 40mi (65km) wedged between France and the Netherlands.
Perhaps I need to translate “kustgemeente” as coastal municipality. Coast is one of those words that is similar in many languages (costa, côte, kust, cuesta, küste, etc). I was quite amazed to learn “polder” is etymologically of Dutch origin. Unsurprisingly since the region is called the lowlands, sparsely populated for quite a long time, even the Romans were not overly interested in an area often flooded and vulnerable.
For most Belgians a trip to our nation’s coastline feels like being abroad. It is quite easy to distinguish dialects and the local one is the hardest to understand. Also, since school had restarted, most tourists spoke French and German. Interesting anecdote, when I was greeting people on my hikes I often chose for “good day” variants since the Dutch, Belgian and German tourists would understand. When it was not reciprocated I assumed they were either grumpy or French. I even adjusted language, wording or expression based on the location. Certain areas are predominantly visited by French tourists so then I was more successful with an “allo” or bonjour. In Dutch many people will ignore a greeting like hello or hi. A nod or raised hand has more success. Yes, this was one of my casual social experiments I conducted on my trip. In cities and crowded areas I was solely focused on rushing to the next nature path.
As I hiked the coastal path for the second time although in opposite direction. Whenever you tell someone in Belgium you have walked the coastline they are usually unimpressed as many claim to have done so. Well, they don’t exactly know what a GR is and say they have one season been to this area and walked from one town to the next one the beach. Their opinion changes when you explain the GR is not just a stroll on the beach but includes many parks, dunes and woodlands.
Translation: rehabilitation of Newport’s witches (recognize “hex“?) On 30 June 2012 all of Newport’s victims, who ended up on a pyre during the witch trials, were posthumously cleared from all blame. “We bow our heads and ask forgiveness”
Quite interestingly these trials were initiated or organized by Christianity. It only took 400 years to repent. The city’s best known witch is “Jeanne Panne” (born De Deyster), notice how her father also burned at the stake 47 years earlier. Some people or even families who were not much liked or some kind of special (specific, unconventional knowledge) or perhaps just seen as a threat to their status or power could easily become targets. Kind of reminds me that certain nations are now designating an “ideology” as a national threat. Witch hunts are of all times.
As an intermezzo I will add some pics of art along our coastline:
A selection of hikes I walked:
How about some scenery?
the sun will set in a few pics
windswept
In the distance is France
During storm Amy, the first of the season
A flushing bassin
In the penultimate moments I got offered this phenomenon.
Nature organisations are working diligently to restore nature along the coastline. The area originally did not have (many) trees. Many (often exotic) plants and trees “escaped” peoples gardens. Many areas are being “reduned”. Many areas are fenced off for wildgrazers, whilst in my region sheep, goats or Galloway’s are to be expected, in the coastal region you will more often spot donkeys or specific cattle.
From the North Sea, or more specific due to import, we got an invasive sea snail species from North America, the Crepidula fornicata, in Britain known as ‘common slipper limpet’. I was amazed to find it on our beaches as I had never seen these before. Originally the snail was from the western Atlantic region. They were accidentally introduced in the eastern Atlantic via oyster import to England in 1870. Nowadays they are to be found all over the North Sea as well as the Mediterranean and even in the Pacific. I guess it is all in the (Latin) name on why they populate practically worldwide.
Trees are important however dunes protect coastal areas from rising sea levels. Interesting fact is that Sea Beggars created the Ostend Creeks when they broke the dykes to protect themselves from the Spanish Armada. Another fun fact is that current Belgium was then also part of the Netherlands hence “Dutch rebels”. Also, these beggars were actually the local elite that were stripped off their wealth by the Spanish. Worth noting that the path has been expanded since it was created. My hike was not 8mi but almost 10 (15,5 instead of 13km). If my memory serves me right, it now consists of 3 loops that can be combined. Bear in mind a bus ride is necessary as the coastal tram does not pass nearby the trail.
In summary, I managed to hike about 186mi (300km) excluding shopping trips and getting to starting point and back. However I also succeeded in deleting my longest hike and failed to register another due to dead batteries. Since I was unable to charge my batteries daily or leave my powerbanks to charge in public facilities I often went to sleep when too dark to read (over one thousand pages read).
Being on a solo trip without unlimited access to electricity changed my perspective on priorities. My smartphone was only used to register hikes, check weather and emergencies. The trip was a test run for Pieterpad, Netherland’s oldest and most iconic long distance path. I got 90°F (32°C) but also 56mi/h (85km/u) storm winds. Though the nights were never cooler than 50°F (10°C). Not sure on how to solve the battery issue on week long hikes. I really want to register my hikes. I’d really hate to have to ask to charge my phone during stops. And buying a dozen powerbanks is sort of ridiculous, no?
These hikes were sometimes with walking poles and always with backpack 11-22lbs (about 5-10kg). Some even without hiking boots on the beach when I searched for seashells for my nieces. Oh, also worth mentioning I did manage to suffer two giant blisters on my heels on just the second day. Unfortunately I forgot I had not walked in my low hiking shoes for months and not even walked in my custom orthotics. Now I am going to make a seashell wind chime/dreamcatcher.
Waking up at 1.30 am is not my normal routine. I am always jittery before leaving my comfy safe space, even for a holiday. Also, the drunk people singing/howling outside did not exactly help my sleep. Exit summer parties…
Something absurd like perfectionism kick-starts my brain while it should dormant for a few more hours. Mulling over the to-do list and pondering worst case scenarios (my brain’s favorite pastime, it appears), I realized staying in bed was no longer an option.
Rest assured not all will be meticulously prepared. Murphy manages to surprise even the best perfectionist, trust me. Not claiming to be the best perfectionist though. Or perhaps everyone agreeing with this statement lacks a specific crucial trait.
The early morning does help to quietly and calmly perform the checklist and even plenty of time to clean out fridge and unplug it. Also an early fall (I prefer the French term autumn) cleaning might be on the agenda with still time for a siesta before traveling.
Already managed to research some of the folklore of the Belgian coastline. However much focus is on world war history. I found a witch trail. I will have to ignore a shrimp fest (allergy, scampi used to be my favorite food), exclusive car and old timer events and a flower parade (during peak season).
One of the POI is Lissewege, according a 2007 national tv show one of 50 most beautiful villages in Flanders (pic below, aka “the white town”). I will visit at least half of the top ten of the provinces nominees. The village name is quite old and some may believe it to be related to a plant “fleur de lis”. And “wege” resembles a current term for “road to”. Wegha is actually a Frankish term for “house”, and “Liss” being a proper noun. In the Netherlands they have the town of Lisse and is believed to be named so because of a palisade. “Liss” (in current Gaelic “an lios”) being an Old Irish word and pops up around Ireland and England as well. Linguistics is funny like that. The Belgian coastline has changed quite a lot, even since the medieval times. Nobody will be surprised if you believe it to be Bruges.
Our wee Belgian coastline is described as a skyline of concrete apartment buildings.
The Coastal Path has shown there is much. Even this trail does not reveal all of its secrets. Hence (one of) the reasons of me returning. Searching trails a little more inland. When you are a fan of (Belgian) cartoon characters, Middelkerke, is your place to be.
Another interesting fact is that Middelkerke used to be on an island. Even as an English speaker you will figure out it means “Middle Church”. If you know the (major) city on its right is called Ostend (East End) and the village on its left Westend(e), the penny drops. You may also be familiar with the Yser because of its history in both world wars.
Current shoreline is marked with an arrow. It is an hypothetical reconstruction about 1025 years ago. It is unknown where the seashore would have been back then.
Testerep is local (or old version) of Ter Streep basically “at the stripe”. Another example how English is of Germanic origin. Its a story of how nature and human interaction can change a landscape twice in about 1000 years.
This is just a little teaser of what you can expect in about three weeks…
Human logic or perceived common sense always leaves me baffled. I guess everyone has encountered one of those moments at least once a week, or perhaps daily if you participate in traffic.
I am all but surprised of people escaping the rat race. In public the law of the jungle seems to prevail over basic humanity, a bare minimum of respect and even traffic laws don’t seem to apply to some. Or do I attract these idiots?
For some reason a road users hierarchy is still prevalent, just like in society unfortunately. If you drive a small car you will have experienced the arrogance or even law breaking bigger or more costly cars. The “food pyramid” of the traffic hierarchy is not completely representative as the top tier often do respect vulnerable road users more than any other motorized vehicle. Yes, I understand this is a generalization and not all luxury car owners are road ragers.
For some reason I detect a difference between the top image as being more European and the bottom the US variant. Our roads were present long before cars or even carts were invented. Hence the reason why many streets are now “cycling streets”. Cars are allowed but cannot pass cyclists. These streets are often around schools or streets that are no longer regarded as collector roads. These “cycle roads” are deemed surplus (other options available nearby for cars where they can drive faster more safely).
Hiker rules
Furthermore am I surprised many people don’t know about basic rules for hiking in their own country. In Belgium, if no sidewalk/pavement is present, you have to walk on the side of oncoming traffic. It is safer and less chances to be startled by cyclists passing by in stealth mode (nowadays even electric vehicles). Many people desperately hold on to the “always keep right” mantra. I often walk around oncoming dogs (and their owners) as I understand all too well it is not the dogs fault they were raised like that. On many occasions my swerve caused dangerous situations although mostly jump scares (for me). Whilst dog owners practically enjoy and laugh about the situation. I am usually to stunned to explain their wrongdoing. In most cases these people are not even aware or deemed trivial. In the Netherlands the law stipulates or concentrates on safety. If the road curves, take the outside lane for best overview. For a hiker this means crossing the road often. Seasoned hikers predominantly opt for the left side of the road. Dutch organized walks prefer left when outside town/city centers. Since Dutch traffic rules changed about thirty years ago, in favor of safety, most hikers are advised to chose the left. Also, in the Netherlands the preferred side is based on where the street lights are located.
Both laws have their advantages and disadvantages, when crossing the border as much as I do on my hikes, I learned to switch traffic laws practically automatically. Unfortunately some people (from both sides of the border) believe their nations/local laws also apply in the other country. Comparable to (some) US citizens believing their constitution is universal. Yes, those vids are hilarious. Speed limits between both countries differ maximum 13mi/h (20km/u). However it makes a huge difference when in a town/city center when max speed is 19mi/h (30km/u) or 31mi/h (50km/u). Traffic laws are subject to change more than people tend to believe. If you live in a border region it is best to be aware of the neighboring laws and customs. The animosity is often palpable. Quite surprising since the border is only in effect for less than 200 years. Before that we were one nation for centuries. Then again, stupidity is limitless. As a Belgian I am more at ease in the Netherlands on bike and hiking. In Belgium it largely varies from region to region.
For US citizens, there is no such thing as jaywalking in most European countries. Basically every road is permitted to hike and bike on except highways. Perhaps I also need to specify some roads (especially in Belgium) might initially have bike lanes but mysteriously vanish after a while. Not going to try explain Belgian politics but basically responsibility for the roads is shared on several levels. One community might implement cycling infrastructure while the next village does not.
Desire paths/lines
Until recently I used the English version of the concept as I was unable to find a Dutch alternative. Whilst studying those desire paths I learned animals made such lines trekking from one area to the next. Usually the path of least resistance. Same for humans although not always…
In Dutch it is called (literally) an elephant or goat’s path or bevel (no links to Dutch meaning) or something like a cut offy like in a shortcut.
Most of these created by humans is to save time or not to reduce speed when cycling and an obstacles is placed to… reduce speed. In some cases bike lanes have strange curves. You can only wonder if there was once an old protected tree. The example below is quite indicative. Especially since a lot of school kids use these paths frequently and they often travel in herds. It also shows how impatient the world has become.
More surprising is the photo below. Is it really shorter or safer? Depending on the region the desire path is even causing dirty shoes for the majority of the year.
Is the little shuffle too much exercise? I cannot fathom why a stroll in the park is causing this desire line. A walk in the park is too complicated?
The most exemplary desire path is Ohio University. The pavements were only build after the desire lines were created.
Short history of desire lines
Not all desire paths are upheld though. In Europe the Romans build their road network based on the existing “infrastructure”. Basically the shortest option between point A and B. However, and a huge one, also safety was important. Back in the day dangerous animals roamed around, they were only driven out (read: made extinct) in our regions later. Another key factor were rivers. Many of our town, village, city names are derived from old languages, mainly Celtic for places where rivers could be crossed more safely. Most place names refer to water but that may not surprise you as you will know how the Dutch have mastered themselves in battling the sea from devouring the land. That is the reason why the Lowlands have not been permanently settled for quite a long time. Most of the cities and villages in Belgium and the Netherlands were only documented since the Roman era. The Celts did not leave any written legacy. In the Netherlands 4 places claim to be “the oldest city”. As per usual, it depends on what definition of “city” is used. Comparable to why many countries have several “oldest pubs”. Most roads that were created by the Celts and paved by the Romans are still in use. Some cities have faded away though or have become less important.
In Belgium specifically our first city with a golden era was Bruges. Many people will have visited the medieval city also known as one of the many self-proclaimed “Venice of the north”. Bruges created many ports and canals to sustain their position but eventually lost due to silting. Antwerp took over for a short while but the Eighty Year’s War gave the title to Amsterdam. Water has been a major factor in the Lowlands.
A perfect example of not upholding historic desire lines is Belgium’s third railway line connecting Antwerp and Rotterdam. When the railway line was planned (about 1852, not long after Belgian’s independence) both nations wanted the line to go through Breda. One rich fellow changed the future for several towns and decided to build the line on most of his own lands between Antwerp and Roosendaal. This resulted in less expropriations and thus faster realization of the project. Some towns were not serviced with a station and remained dormant, while others boomed. Oh, and for quite some time the train was loaded onto a ship since the river (Hollands Diep, lit: deep) was deemed to wild to build a bridge.
About fifteen years ago a new line was opened between Antwerp and Schiphol (Amsterdam Airport). Fascinatingly this one does follow the Roman road more. The reason was predominantly outdated infrastructure or not suitable for high speed trains. Read: the village were built very close to railways and trains were not allowed to exceed speed limits Practically making the high speed trains drive at snail pace for most of the journey.
The blue line indicates the actual Roman road from Antwerp to Breda. Beware this will probably not show up on a map of Roman network. It concerns a smaller, read: less important connection between the cities. Also note that the whole region of west North Brabant up to Antwerp was inhabited but quite deserted due to restricted accessibility most of the year. Antwerp and Bergen op Zoom also have a Roman connection.
So, the reason to plan the railway line through a town called Essen, changed its future drastically. Due to the location, also being the only border crossing by rail for a very long time, meant quarantine. From French for 40 days as you may remember from a certain pandemic. Nowadays the village still has those “quarantine stables” where cattle was kept until safe to travel/cross the border.
You can only imagine how different many villages would have been if the desire paths were not altered by a wealthy man with plan. Oh, he was certainly not altruistic. He owned very much land and sold off sand (dunes) and other natural resources. The sand he sold was also used to build Antwerp Central Station. If you have read any of my hiking trail summaries you might remember the Belgian side of Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide is significantly more flat than just across the border.
Well, when a road is created, how nonsensical, unnatural (to humans) or artistically, why would you disturb nature (especially fauna and flora)? To save time while you unwind or de-stress?
Is it a real/serious problem?
In many parks desire paths were seen as an acceptable problem. However since the pandemic many people went hiking as was the only excuse to leave the house. Sometimes wild grazers create these desire lines but people appear intrigued by these and their inner trailblazer awakens.
People are oblivious (or unaware?) of the existence of ground nesting birds or the presence of fawns. Yes, some areas have signposts indicating not to pass through certain areas, but hey, who are we to tell them how to entertain themselves?
Local park rules are always directing people to stay on the path. Therefore now areas must be fenced off endangering wildlife even more (talking about lose-lose situation). Often accompanied by “no access” or “restricted area” signs but those are often blatantly ignored. The most accurate solution is to plant buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), not sure where the English name comes from but in Dutch we call it “dune thorn”.
Yes, it is a real problem. Why do people believe their actions are not harmful? Is it the same reason why people offend laws in traffic as they perceive it as not that problematic? I am referring to someone temporarily parking where it is not allowed or blocking the road to quickly go to the shop… It is a mentality problem. A lack of basic respect for nature, for creatures that cannot defend themselves.
Do you remember how a society is measured? By how it treats its weakest members. Now reflect how you treat those (human, animal or plant) that do not benefit you?
From point A to B. How did the Dutch language (or most Germanic languages) get their names for their mishmash of ways ?
In the lowlands most villages were named after their geo locations. Since villages/communities rose near water sources, most names can be retraced to Celtic, Germanic or Roman words for marshlands, shallow area to cross river, elevated area next to river, and the likes. Depending on when a village was founded or recognized. The same suffixes may pop up in different regions. For example Woensdrecht and Maastricht both were founded because you could (often) safely cross the river at that point. However these are located in opposite ends of the Netherlands. Maastricht was a placed to cross the river Meuse and Woensdrecht to cross the Scheldt and (most probably but debated) refers to Germanic god Wodan. Like Wednesday in English is Woensdag in Dutch and both are presumed to be dedicated to the Germanic deity.
The -trecht, -tricht,- drecht, -dracht always refer to the same. Dozens of such suffixes exist.
To link up communities paths were created. Please note that these paths were created long before the Roman era or even before the invention of the wheel. I have to admit that my region was not continuously inhabited because of the nearby river Scheldt. Frequent flooding made the area too dangerous to live. And people were not forced to live where danger lurked. Some people do live voluntarily in dangerous areas, like Naples (Pompeii is nearby), since the soil is very rich and their fruit and vegetables very tasty. Basically all of current Belgium and Southern part of The Netherlands were largely ignored due to (often infertile) marshlands for quite some time.
Road: from Proto-Germanic raido and basically from ‘riding’. In Dutch we don’t use this word or derivations. In Dutch “baan” is the most accurate equivalent in the meaning of free/safe passage. The Dutch language has a saying “zich een weg banen” meaning to create/pave a way. No direct translation there unfortunately. Also in sports the Dutch language use “baan” like a sports field/court in tennis, cycling, ice-skating, gof, etc. The Dutch also use “baan” for a job and that comes from ice skaters that preferred ice rinks because they were too scared of natural ice. When they went to skate/ride on the ice “baan“, the term “baantje trekken” was used. In Dutch maritime jargon “baantje” (lit: little job) was applied for less strenuous and tiring tasks aboard a ship. Nowadays job and “baan” are synonyms.
Boulevard: is an important and broad street derived from, ah oui, la France. However a Middle Dutch word the French bastardized “bolwerk“, yes, recognize bulwark. Initially it meant a fortress. The French appropriated the word and expanded the meaning to include the pathways on the ramparts of the fortress. In the second half of the 18th century the French created those monumental, broad roads towards Paris city center and called them boulevards. The Dutch in turn now also use the the word to describe a road. Obviously the Dutch no longer understand the link between their “bolwerk” and boulevard.
Drive: a broad, rural road. Originally a road where cattle was driven. Originally from Old High German. In Dutch language we use “dreef“, hence the broader nature of these paths. A Dutch expression goes: “op dreef zijn“, like ‘on the road’ or literally droving meaning you are doing well; or doing a great job. Are you already seeing a pattern?
Canal: Not sure if an accurate English word exists. In Dutch the path next to the canal is called “gracht“. It is closely related to the English grave or Dutch “graven” (to dig). Just like boulevard, the meaning got expanded in this instance to the pathway next to canal. Dutch city Delft is derived from “delven” a synonym of “graven”. If you have visited Amsterdam you will be aware the streets next to the canals have the exact same name (ie Prinsengracht – Prince’s Canal). I would advise not to walk on the wet part of the canal even when overly confident on substances.
Towpath: is related but not exactly the same. In Dutch we call these “jaagpad”. In Dutch you might be confused as we use “jagen” which can also mean to hunt. However in Dutch “jagen” also means to push/pull something like cattle or peat boats.
Court: Original meaning in Dutch is an enclosed area, like the English manors or estates. The Dutch word “hof” has many meanings. Anyone surprised since the word is in use for more than 1000 years? Enclosed area, garden, residence, etc are just a few examples but we also use it for cemetery as ‘church garden’ (kerkhof) or labyrinth as ‘wander garden’ (doolhof). The Dutch meaning and US/UK meaning differ. In the lowlands the court is always fenced off. Usually old castles, manors or estates that have public pathways; be aware some areas are not always public domain (please do respect that so the publicly accessible paths remain public). The best well-known “hof” in the Netherlands is “Keukenhof” but be aware this not a public area (entrance fee).
Quay: like Dutch “kade” (verbally “kaai” is more used) means way on embankment/riverside/levee. it is derived from Celtic word for seperation, enclosure and the Dutch equal to “haag“. Over time the meaning has shifted towards loading/unloading area in port. (photo: Bergen op Zoom)
Lane: “laan“, way with trees. Etymology is unclear. Might be from Greek word to tow: “elaúnen“. In that case a lane is a drive or vice versa. In Middle Dutch a lane was a side road, linking up a destination from the main road. I assume that makes it more a driveway. That is how you knew you were on someone’s property, a single line of trees on both sides next to a path. Our modern concept of road with trees is not even that old. When I say not that old, I mean not more than 1000 years, just as context “when a European says not that old”.
Path:pad, small way. Obviously this one is one of the oldest and less easiest to find the origins. Certain is that Germanic languages, Greek, Sanskrit, Persian and others have similar words. Perhaps noteworthy that in Dutch language “wandelpad” (hiking path) is used due to many meanings of the word “pad“. Like toad or Thai dish or even the English meanings for pad have invaded our language.
Place: “plaats” loan word from Old French “place“, which means spot or area. From Latin “platea” broad street or courtyard, which was taken from Greek “plateia” flat, broad and spacious. A place is literally a flat area/space. (photo of Groenplaats, Antwerp)
Plain (Square/Circus/Place): “plein” in Dutch. Open area in built-up area. From Middle French “plain” from Latin “Planum” meaning surface or area. In Dutch evolved to open area in city. In Middle Dutch “plaetse” was used, here I do hear some Spanish influence “plaza”. (photo: Grote Markt Plein, Antwerp)
Singel: idem in Dutch, or circular/ring road or stadsgracht (city canal). Originally singel meant borderline. In Old French it means city enclosure. Ancient Dutch cities predominantly had canals to protect. Hence the Dutch synonym for city canal. (photo: Amsterdam Singel)
Alley(way): “steeg“, small (side) street. The word is literally derived from “stijgen“, to mount as the alleyways climbed up from the canals to the dike. Originally from rural areas but over time a more frequent name for small side streets in city or village. In Flanders also called “gang” as in hallway, passage or corridor. (photo: Vlaaikensgang, Antwerp)
Street: paved way. Derived from Latin “via strate“. Conjugation of “sternere“: pave, spread and straighten. In the early days streetway was used but way was dropped. In Dutch we also say sea-street but then it is derived from English strait in the meaning of small passage. (Reigerstraat, Breda)
Way: “weg“, path or street. Origins are in Indo-European for riding/driving or transporting. In the Dutch “bewegen” (to move) includes “weg” for a reason. Hence the definition of route on which people travel.
I am actually quite happy with so many styles of ways. Except for motorways/freeways pedestrians can walk on all public ways. I would certainly advise against using Komoot as it sends cyclists and hikers over regional roads that are basically motorways. Legally cyclists and hikers are all allowed. Common sense however, which certain apps do not have, might send you over locally infamous death roads. Also car dependency is not the way forward. If you want to live in the middle of nowhere, expect solitude.
It fascinates me that in English some definitions are regulated. And then again the Commonwealth uses “close” for cul-de-sac whilst US have dead ends. Funny how the English don’t translate the French word bottom o/t sack or Tolkien’s Bag End.
Road (Rd.): Can be anything that connects two points. The most basic of the naming conventions.
Way: A small side street off a road.
Street (St.): A public way that has buildings on both sides of it. They run perpendicular to avenues.
Avenue (Ave.): Also a public way that has buildings or trees on either side of it. They run perpendicular to streets.
Boulevard (Blvd.): A very wide city street that has trees and vegetation on both sides of it. There’s also usually a median in the middle of boulevards.
Lane (Ln.): A narrow road often found in a rural area. Basically, the opposite of a boulevard.
Drive (Dr.): A long, winding road that has its route shaped by its environment, like a nearby lake or mountain.
Terrace (Ter.): A street that follows the top of a slope.
Place (Pl.): A road or street that has no throughway—or leads to a dead end.
Court (Ct.): A road or street that ends in a circle or loop.
Of course, these are more guidelines than hard-and-fast rules, and not every city in the world follows these naming conventions exactly. Also, they tend not to be as strict with these in suburbs and newer areas: sometimes a street is called a “lane” simply because an urban planner or developer might think it sounds nice. (source: https://www.mid-americantitle.com/local-news/streets-ave-court)
Celtic Belgae 