Silent Waas cycling route
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Silent Waas cycling route
- Length
- 46,9 km
- Time
- 2u 10m
- Terrain
- 77% Verhard
Meersstraat, 9185 Wachtebeke
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Silent Waas cycling route
On this route, the Moervaart and Zuidlede rivers lead you to the most beautiful natural areas of the Waasland region, including the Fondatie van Boudelo, De Linie and the Heidebos. The literal high point of this circuit is the observation tower you can climb in Puyenbroeck.
Heidebos
Wachtebeke
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Once you ride out of Wachtebeke, you'll find yourself on a cycle highway that takes you to the Heidebos. You ride along the edge of this piece of natural beauty, but dismounting for a little walk deeper into the forest is more than worth it. As a visitor to this 300 hectare nature reserve, you are treated to an exceptional pallet of biotopes. So much more than just heath and forest: one moment you'll find yourself among mighty beech or oak trees, and around the corner you'll find yourself among heather or in sparse grassland. In the Heidebos, you may also come across Galloway cattle. Natuurpunt introduced these animals to graze large areas. They graze in clearings, thereby creating a semi-open forest.
Moervaart
Moerbeke
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Cross over the attractive Terwest Bridge, and follow the towpath along the Moervaart towards Klein-Sinaai for quite a while. The Moervaart was dug around 1300 by the Abbey of Boudelo, to drain the area and make it suitable for agriculture. In the 15th century, the canal was made navigable for transporting peat, which was produced in the wider area. These days, the gently lapping water is especially popular with pleasure craft.
Fondatie van Boudelo
Fondatie van Boudelo
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Sinaai
Fondatie van Boudelo
Fondatie van Boudelo
Bart Van Leuven
The Fondatie van Boudelo is a nature reserve covering more than 80 hectares and is one of the most recent quiet areas in East Flanders. The name of the nature reserve is derived from the Abbey of Boudelo, which used to stand here. Nothing remains of the abbey, but the nature that took its place - a succession of ornate pools, vast hay meadows and oxygen-rich forests - is possibly even more monumental.
Keysershof
Keysershof, Moerbeke
David Samyn
Located on the banks of the Moervaart and in the shadow of the Sinaai Bridge, this cozy brasserie welcomes hikers and cyclists with drinks and snacks, a quick lunch or an extensive menu offering seasonal produce.
De Farm
Time for an ice cream! In Eksaarde you will find De Farm, with its delightful summer terrace. You'll find delicious flavours like tiramisu, salted caramel and Dinocakes (!), as well as low-sugar ice cream.
Kruiskapel
Kruiskapel Eksaarde
Tijl De Meulemeester
The Kapel van de Miraculeuze Kruisen (Chapel of the Miraculous Crosses), known locally as the Verre Kapel, has been an attraction in Eksaarde for centuries. It was built in 1632 on the site where one 'Boudewijn met de Negen Ponden' removed two crucifixes from the ground in 1317 when uprooting a tree. A series of miracles subsequently took place: the church bells began to ring spontaneously, and the head of an unbeliever became so rigid that he repented before the crosses. These days, one cross is kept in the church of Eksaarde, the other in the Kruiskapel.
De Linie
Gluurmuur De Linie
Sandra Koning
Eksaarde
Tijl De Meulemeester
You'll now ride along the De Linie nature reserve, a patchwork of forests, marshes and meadows, managed by the Durme non-profit association and grazed by donkeys. More than 430 plant species have been identified in the area, and they include such beauties as common mare's tail, false brome, wild strawberry, wood bluegrass, elongated sedge and rough horsetail. 57 bird species regularly breed in the area, including shoveler, kingfisher, the Eurasian reed warbler, sparrowhawk, buzzard, black woodpecker, golden oriole and nightingale.
't Veldcafé
Hungry or thirsty? Then definitely stop by 't Veldcafé. You can spend hours lounging on the charming waterfront terrace.
Puyenbroeck
Uitkijktoren Puyenbroeck
Arnoud De Coen
Wachtebeke
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Puyenbroeck Wachtebeke
David Samyn
You'll continue cycling through the provincial domain Puyenbroeck. Why not stop off for a game of mini golf, a jaunt around the rowing pond, a ride through the grounds on a little train, swimming or so much more. You can also climb the observation tower there for great views of the area you just cycled through. The Levend Erfgoed (Living Heritage) Park located right behind the tower is both fun and educational for children.