Beerlegem: winding through the Munkbosbeek valley along forests, meadows, and village cafés

Start & End: parking spaces right next to or diagonally opposite the church of Beerlegem.
Beerlegemsebaan 53, 9630 Beerlegem (Zwalm)

Part 1: From Beerlegem to Dikkele

You start on the Beerlegemsebaan, diagonally opposite the St. Andrew's Church. At the level of the characterful bronze work The Hunter, you immediately turn right to the east and dive into the landscape of the Munkbosbeek valley.

The walk soon leads you through a picturesque grazing meadow. Through a gateway, you cross the area – where curious sheep might cross your path – to leave the meadow via a wooden step. Then a narrow path winds you along rustling poplars and a natural tree gate at the edge of the forest.

Here you meet for the first time the common thread of this journey: the Munkbosbeek. You cross the babbling water via an idyllic little bridge. Afterwards, you temporarily leave the creek for a loop through Dikkele, a protected village view that still breathes the unpretentious atmosphere of the early 20th century. The numerous heritage buildings stand as silent witnesses to a rich past, while the lack of through traffic ensures a soothing peace.

Stopover: Right under the church tower, the authentic village taverns De Casino and Poezenelle invite you for a nostalgic break.

Part 2: From Dikkele back to Beerlegem

You leave Dikkele along the former Brewery De Wever, the brewmaster statue, and the characterful, former café In de Ploeg. Then you dive into the 'Holle Bolle', a winding unpaved path. At Zavelstraat, an impressive panorama unfolds over the rolling landscape, after which you walk back towards the center of Beerlegem along quiet horse pastures.

Stopover: Right next to the church of Beerlegem, you can pause at 't Bistrorantje to recharge for the second – even more beautiful – loop.
Anyone who decides to take a break after this first stage can of course linger a bit longer in the cozy bistro to conclude the walk in style.

Part 3: From Beerlegem to Sint-Maria-Latem (around the forest of Castle Ten Bieze)

From the bistro in Beerlegem, you now head in the opposite direction (to the west). You take the path between the bistro and the church (via the care center De Bolster De Boskant) towards Beekmeersstraat on the north side of the castle domain. After a short stretch of paved road, you turn left onto the Kasteelpad. This narrow nature path takes you over a wooden bridge again along the meandering Munkbosbeek and the castle forest around Castle Ten Bieze.

Via the Paulatemwegel and the dirt road Beekmeers, you continue your path over the nature path Vlaanderlos. Here you seek out the water again and cross the Munkbosbeek via a charming wooden plank bridge. The shortcut brings you directly to the village center of Sint-Maria-Latem.

Stopover: Directly opposite the church of Sint-Maria-Latem is the popular village café 't Spaans Hof with an inviting terrace.

Part 4: From Sint-Maria-Latem via Paulatem back to Beerlegem

The final stretch starts via the Kapelleweg, a narrow slow road that is beautifully enclosed between hedges and fields. You walk towards the picturesque hamlet of Paulatem with its Romanesque St. Gangulfus Church and walled cemetery.

On Paulatemstraat, you enjoy a surprising view of Castle Ten Bieze among the old rows of trees and pass what might be a parked blue Ford vintage tractor further on. Via the forgotten concrete road Beklosweg, you reach the intersection with the narrow Bouchoutpad. You cross again the large grazing meadow from part 1 – this time first via the stepping stone and out through the gate – to finally return to the starting point on the Beerlegemsebaan.

Final stop: Right next to the church, you can once again visit 't Bistrorantje to enjoy a delicious meal while reflecting on the walk.
Tip: Reserve in advance if you are coming with a larger group of walkers; they will gladly hold a nice spot for you, inside or outside on the terrace.

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