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This route, which combines KU Leuven’s Arenberg campus with green paths along the River Dyle (Dijle) is our favorite run in Leuven. Paths pass through the green, scenic university campus and then through mainly wooded terrain along the river for nearly 3 km.
KU Leuven is Belgium’s largest university. Start at the athletic fields just south of the Ringweg (ring road). There’s a running track and several fields. Pass by the scenic Arenberg Castle (now housing the engineering faculty), and after ~2 km, follow the Langestaart path along the river for another 1 km. It’s a combination of open and green. When you reach the E40 highway, turn around and retrace your steps.
Longer Option: Start from the center. From the Oude Markt, it’s ~2 km to the start point of this route. Use Minderbroedersstraat and then the paths along the river.
Add-Ons: South of the E40, a dirt/grass path continues for several km through the Vijvers van Oud-Heverlee nature preserve. Mainly along the river, and through nice open farmland, and passing a lake.
- 7.1 km (4.5 miles) out and back. Good add-on options
- 31m (103 feet)
- University athletic fields, just south of the Ringweg
- Can access by bus from downtown. Also there's a parking lot just inside the Ringweg near the trail start
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This is the route that made me discover greatruns.com !
I ran it three times while working in Leuven in summer 2022 and spring 2023.
It is a flat run.
I ran the add-ons twice. One can easily run out 9 km (18 km roundtrip) without being on major roads and having to worry about cars or other vehicules.
Plan to take a light along as some place in the woods can be quite dark after dusk.
I recommend this route.