This gravel route takes you through the open IJzer landscape full of history, nature, and tranquility. You cycle past war memorials, dikes, and waterways, along gravel paths and playful singletracks with expansive views. Start at the IJzer orchard, enjoy cozy hospitality stops along the way, and return via quiet polder roads for an unforgettable gravel ride in the Westhoek.

Starting Point

Your adventure begins at the provincial domain IJzer orchard.

Parking

There are plenty of free parking spaces at the IJzertoren. From there, it's a 400m bike ride to the Land van Vlierbos to start at the Café IJzer orchard.

Facilities

Toilets and showers: There are no public shower facilities available in the vicinity of the provincial domain. For a sanitary stop, you can go to the Café de IJzer orchard or near the parking lot of 't Vlierbos.

Hospitality: 

At the starting point, you will find the Café de IJzer orchard: a café on the domain where you can have drinks or food.

At km 11, you will find the summer bar Perron 74 along the front trait.

At km 15, enjoy delicious drinks, ice creams, and fresh farm products at Boer Bart.

At km 36, you will find restaurant Zannekin in Lampernisse.

Highlights

Nature: This gravel route along the left bank of the IJzer takes you through the open polder land of the Westhoek. You cycle along dikes, canals, and quiet village roads, with expansive views, rich bird areas, and a landscape soaked in war history.

Sporty:

You start at the IJzer orchard, at the foot of the IJzertoren for a varied gravel ride through the open IJzer landscape. Via the gravel path on the Front trait, an old railway, you ride towards the Silence Path and the historical Death Lane. During this hardened stretch, you also enjoy the IJzer.

Then you travel over the 1.8 km long Old Stuivekens gravel path to Stuivekenskerke. From Booitshoeke, a playful mix of unpaved roads, church paths, bike paths, and quiet polder streets follows.

In Alveringem, a highlight awaits: the gravel zone of the Pannendorp with 2.4 km of winding singletracks full of playful turns.

Between Lampernisse and Pervijze, you can still enjoy some delightful gravel paths, after which the last gravel stretch on the old railway brings you back to the IJzertoren.

Extras: 

At the IJzer orchard, you will find cozy picnic spots, a nature play area where children can romp, climb, and play in the open nature.

Get off your bike and climb the church tower of Lampernisse; above awaits a panoramic view over the IJzer plain. Or climb the wooden observation platform on the tower ruin of the Saint Peter's Church in Oud-Stuivekenskerke.

The petting zoo in ’t Land van Vlierbos offers a fun learning experience for children.