Woumen

The Blankaart is a unique nature reserve. The low-lying and treeless moorland with meadows and meadow landscapes serves as the wintering ground for the IJzer. You start at the castle of the same name and explore the water-rich area, which traditionally attracts large concentrations of waterfowl. At the water reservoir, you return at the BLOSO center. Boots are not an unnecessary luxury on this route.
DEPARTURE POINT
You can reach Blankaart by leaving the E40 at exit 4-Middelkerke and following the N369 towards Diksmuide and further in the direction of Ypres. 1.5 km after the church of Woumen, the parking lot of De Blankaart is on the right side of the road.
PARKING
Parking lot Nature Reserve De Blankaart / Province Visitor Center De Blankaart.
TYPE OF PATH
Gravel paths around the castle, meadows in the first section, low-traffic asphalt roads in the second section; hexagonal signs on wooden posts serve as guides.
ACCESSIBILITY
Impossible for strollers and wheelchairs; boots are recommended in any weather; after rainy weather, check by phone if the meadows are not flooded.
INFORMATION
-Province Visitor Center De Blankaart: Iepersesteenweg 56, 8600 Diksmuide-Woumen, Tel. 051 54 59 48.
-Westtoer: Post Box 190, 8000 Bruges, Tel. 050 30 55 00, Fax 050 30 55 90, info@westtoer.be, www.westtoer.be.
-Tourism Diksmuide: as long as Westoria remains closed (since 6/10/03) tourist information is only available by phone at 051 51 91 46 or via tourism@stad.diksmuide.be.
FOOD & DRINK
-Restaurant 't Jagershof: Woumenweg 291, 8600 Diksmuide-Woumen, Tel. 051 50 01 58, Closed on Wednesdays.
-Many dining options at Grote Markt in Diksmuide (De Yserpoort, Polderbloem, 't Gulden Mandeken, De Reiziger, De Vrede) and at the IJzertoren.