Huysmanhoeve cycling route
Huysmanhoeve cycling route
Set off on this bike ride from the Huysmanhoeve to get to know some of the highlights of the Meetjesland. Nature lovers will enjoy the provincial domain Het Leen and the Keigatbos, while the Huysmanhoeve, the Priorij Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Hove and the Kleemkapel will immerse you in the history of Meetjesland.
Starting point Huysmanhoeve
This imposing farmhouse dates back to the 13th century and has been rebuilt and extended several times since then. Highlights include the 17th-century entrance gate with separate entrance for carts and pedestrians and the white-washed house. Today, it has been transformed into the Meetjesland visitor centre. With its tourist office and cafeteria (with terrace), Huysmanhoeve is the ideal base for a hiking or cycling trip in the region. You can also visit exhibitions and events themed around agriculture, crafts, folklore and the Meetjesland.
Nodes 99-55 Eeklo
Eeklo is the capital of the Meetjesland. On the market square you'll find the 17th-century town hall, with its belfry from 1932. Next door is 't Rootjen, a row of houses from the 17th century where these days you can have a drink or a meal on the terrace. How about restaurant de Ramblas, which combines local produce and dishes with world cuisine.
Nodes 57-54 Het Leen
The provincial domain Het Leen is a large nature reserve with 30 kilometres of hiking trails, a playground, cafeteria, arboretum, bird-watching cabin, etc. Real daredevils can climb the 21-metre-high look-out tower, with a protruding and transparent glass platform.
Nodes 54-59 SCHIPDONK CANAL
You'll continue your rider via the towpath along the Schipdonk Canal, also known as the diversion canal of the Leie. Along the quiet water, flanked on both sides by a monumental row of trees, you can completely unwind. You can also enjoy a drink or bite to eat cosy terrace at eatery 't Oud Liefken.
Nodes 53-61 KEIGAT FOREST
This forest on the border of Lievegem and Aalter is an offshoot of the larger Drongengoed Forest. It consists partly of coniferous forest and partly of deciduous forest, interspersed with wet grasslands.
Nodes 13-3 Waarschoot
On New Year's Eve 2001, the Sint-Ghislenus church in Waarschoot was deliberately set on fire, and was almost completely destroyed. Waarschoot decided to build a new church, which nevertheless incorporates the old tower and the ruined nave. Since 2009, you can also find the statue 'The Burnt Madonna' in a niche in the church tower. Artist Philippe Verschueren drew inspiration from the devastating church fire. During the blaze in the church, a statue of Our Lady was completely charred; the artist made an almost exact copy in black concrete. The artwork is now a symbol of hope for Waarschoot and its residents.
Waarschoot offers a variety of addresses for food and drink, including 't Durp, De Mouterij or Lijn58.
Node 3 ONZE-LIEVE-VROUW TEN HOVE PRIORY
This stately priory is all that remains of the former monastery from 1444. The masonry bears witness to the many renovations the building has undergone after being destroyed on several occasions. It was recently fully renovated, but due to years of abandonment and neglect in the 19th and 20th centuries, the building is also known as 'the Rat Castle'.
Nodes 88-82 OLD RAILWAY
You used to be able to take the train from Kaprijke to Eeklo and Zelzate. This railway line no longer exists, and has been converted into a cycle and footpath. Past expansive meadows and the grounds of Aveschoot castle, you'll ride towards Waarschoot.
Node 74 Kaprijke
Kaprijke's village square immediately catches the eye. The large village square with its grass field and surrounded by a double row of trees is the largest green village square in the province. You can get something to drink at Den Hippoliet.
Node 80 Kleemkapel
In 1750, when two farmers were tilling their fields, they suddenly came across a statue of the Virgin Mary. They built a wooden chapel on this spot that soon became a popular place of pilgrimage. In the late 19th century, the present neo-Gothic-style chapel was built in its place. A procession in 15 stations was also later built around the Kleem chapel.
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