N I R - Wenduine - R

This road cycling route of about 123 km combines the best of West Flanders: castle parks, mills, polder landscapes, and forests. The starting point is Roeselare (Hazegoedweg), and it’s a varied ride that takes you through rural areas, past coastal towns and historical sites. Ideal for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of culture, nature, and a touch of history.

Start: Roeselare (Hazegoedweg) - Gits - Sint-Henricus

The route begins in Roeselare at Hazegoedweg. From here, you cycle towards Gits, a quiet agricultural village. You continue to Sint-Henricus, where you are surrounded by wide fields and typical Flemish farming landscapes. The roads are quiet and well-paved, ideal for a fast start.

Castle d'Aertrycke - Witte Molen (Roksem)

After Sint-Henricus, you pass the picturesque Don Bosco and cycle to the impressive Castle d'Aertrycke in Torhout. This neo-Gothic castle, surrounded by a large park and a pond, is a beautiful sight and an ideal place to catch your breath. Afterwards, you continue to the historical Witte Molen in Roksem, a well-preserved windmill that proudly rises above the flat landscape.

De Hoge Dijken - Paddegat - Stalhille

The route takes you further through the nature reserve De Hoge Dijken, a large water protection area that serves as a bird breeding ground. After that, you cycle over Paddegat towards Stalhille, a charming polder village where the wind often blows freely. This is an ideal part of the route for those who want to enjoy the vastness and tranquility of the landscape.

Vlissegem - De Haan - Hubertmolen (Wenduine)

From Stalhille, you continue to Vlissegem and then to De Haan, a popular coastal municipality known for its Belle Époque architecture. After De Haan, you reach the Hubertmolen in Wenduine, a beautiful example of a Flemish tower mill. This part of the route offers great views of the coast and the surrounding landscape.

Uitkerkse Polder - Meetkerkse Moeren

You continue your way through the quiet Uitkerkse Polder, a nature reserve home to many bird species. The route then winds along the Meetkerkse Moeren, a unique lowland area known for its lakes and moors. Here, you really cycle right in the midst of nature, far from city life.

Varsenare - Domaine Beisbroek - Domaine Tudor

After the polder landscape, you arrive at Varsenare, from where you continue to Domaine Beisbroek and the adjacent Domaine Tudor, two beautiful castle parks near Bruges. These green oases offer a welcome change and are ideal for a short break to enjoy nature.

Zedelgem - Torhout - Groenhove Forest

From Varsenare, the route continues to Zedelgem and Torhout, where you cycle through the quiet Groenhove Forest. This forest is popular among local cyclists due to its shady paths and good roads. You ride along the winding forest paths and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Return to Roeselare: Zeswege - Meiboom - Kazand - Rumbeke

After the wooded area, you cycle over Zeswege and Meiboom towards De Tasse and Kazand, before arriving in Rumbeke. Here, you pass the beautiful Sterrebos, a castle park with centuries-old trees and walking paths. After a final ascent through the park, you end back in Roeselare, where you can look back with satisfaction on a wonderful cycling day.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total length: About 123 km

Difficulty: Average, with some short climbs and mainly flat roads.

Surface: Well-paved roads, ideal for racing bikes.

Highlights of the Route:

Castle d'Aertrycke: Beautiful castle with expansive park.

Witte Molen in Roksem: Historical windmill, symbol of the region.

De Hoge Dijken: Bird reserve and nature conservation area.

Hubertmolen in Wenduine: Beautiful tower mill on the coast.

Uitkerkse Polder and Meetkerkse Moeren: Quiet nature reserves with moor landscapes.

Domaine Beisbroek and Domaine Tudor: Green castle parks near Bruges.

Sterrebos in Rumbeke: Historic park with a castle and walking paths.

Conclusion:

This road cycling route offers a beautiful mix of culture, nature, and history, with iconic mills, castles, and nature reserves that define West Flanders. Whether you enjoy the tranquility of the polders, the historical charm of the castle parks, or the fresh sea breeze along the coast, this route has something to offer for everyone. Ideal for cyclists looking for a varied tour through the heart of the province.