Beach & Dunes on the Belgian Coast

This varied mountain bike loop combines the official Sport Vlaanderen routes of Middelkerke, Nieuwpoort, Oostduinkerke, and Koksijde. You get a mix of beach sections 🏖️, dune paths 🏜️, singletracks 🔁, and quiet polder stretches 🌾—an ideal ride for anyone looking to explore the entire West Coast by mountain bike 🚵‍♂️.

What can you expect? 👀

You will ride through some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes of Flanders:

Middelkerke & Westende: playful singletracks and open dune massifs.

Nieuwpoort: dynamic scenery around the IJzermouth and wide beach zones.

Oostduinkerke: a mix of dune forest, sandy strips, and fast stretches.

Koksijde: natural singletracks through the dunes, perfect for smooth flow sections.

The combination of beach, dune, and polder keeps the route consistently engaging and varied 🌊🌿.

Tips for an optimal ride 💡

1. Start in Middelkerke and plan for low tide 🌙

Preferably set off in Middelkerke and at low tide. The beach passages are much more rideable then because the sand is harder. This way, you conserve more energy for the dune zones.

2. Dune paths can change 🌬️

The dunes are a living landscape. Due to sand accumulation, wind, and natural restoration, paths can sometimes change slightly in course. When your GPS track deviates from the signage, always follow the officially designated paths of the Sport Vlaanderen mountain bike network. These are the most current and accessible routes in the dunes.

3. Best season ❄️☀️

The routes through the dunes are ideal in the winter months. In the summer months, it can be busier and the sand is usually looser, making the route feel less pleasant.