From the Westhoek to the fossil dunes of Ghyvelde and the Cabour dunes.

Walk from Adinkerke through the fossil dunes of Ghyvelde

De Panne-Adinkerke: Walk from the nature reserve De Westhoek over De Zwarte Hoek and the Drie Vijvers to the Dune Fossile de Ghyvelde. Along the Langgeleed, we walk to De Zwarte Hoek, also known as the Drie Vijvers. De Zwarte Hoek is a water-rich area with many water birds. At the picturesque café "Au retour de la chasse" (open only on Sunday mornings), the hike crosses the Belgian-French border to La Dune Fossile de Ghyvelde. This protected area, together with the Cabourdunes in Adinkerke, consists of rare ancient inland dunes that are up to 5000 years old, the best-preserved inland dunes in Northwest Europe. Due to their great ecological value, these areas enjoy special protection. Most of these dunes have been extracted elsewhere in the past. The nutrient-poor soil is grazed by sheep and Haflinger horses, which can occasionally be seen. The hike continues back across the border along the beautiful Cabourdunes. The Cabourdunes are named after Charles Cabour, who was formerly the owner of this area. Further on, the hike goes through the Garzebekeveld, also a protected dune area. It contains the ponds of Markey. Over the bridge of the Nieuwpoort-Dunkirk canal, the hike continues through a beautiful village street of Adinkerke and along the same canal back to the nature reserve De Westhoek. Good hiking shoes are recommended. Not suitable for strollers.