Plugstreets Memorial Route

🪖 Silence in the Trenches: A Mysterious Time Travel through Ploegsteert Forest

Hello fellow walkers! 👋 Looking for a route that combines history with beautiful nature? This walk of approximately 9.5 km takes you through the infamous 'Plugstreets' in the Westhoek. A journey full of emotion, forested paths, and vast panoramas.

📊 Practical Info

Distance: approx. 9.5 km 📏

Elevation: approx. 70 m 📈

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐🌑🌑 (Average – sturdy hiking shoes are needed for the forest)

Starting Point: Parking Plugstreet 14-18 Experience (Ieperstraat 1, Comines-Warneton) 🚗

🗺️ The Route: In the Footsteps of 14-18

We kick off at the Plugstreet 14-18 Experience. Via Plugstreet 3 we walk towards Nachtegaalstraat. Don’t forget to look around: on the left you see the iconic Kemmelberg on the horizon and on the right you have a splendid view of the city Mesen with its characteristic church ⛪.

Along Plugstreet 1 we climb to Hill 63, then head towards Prowse Point Military Cemetery. Here you will find the impressive monument of the Christmas Truce ⚽️, the place where hostilities paused for brotherhood on Christmas night in 1914.

Through Plugstreet 2 we pass Mud Corner Cemetery (the name says it all, be prepared!) and immerse ourselves in the atmospheric Ploegsteert Forest 🌲. In the shade of the trees, we discover the serene cemeteries Toronto Avenue, Ploegsteert Wood, and Rifle House Cemetery.

After a short loop through the greenery, we return to the edge of the forest. Along a gravel path, we pass an original bunker, the Blockhaus 🧱, before arriving at Hyde Park Corner. The cherry on top is the impressive Berks Cemetery Extension, after which we make our way back to the parking lot.

✨ Highlights

Panoramas: Unique views of both the Kemmelberg and Mesen.

Christmas Truce Memorial: A place of hope amid the history of war.

Hidden Gems: The small cemeteries deeply hidden in the forest.

Historic bunkers: Tangible remnants (Blockhaus) in the landscape.

💡 Tips for the Journey

Shoes: In Ploegsteert Wood, it can be very muddy after rainfall. Wear waterproof hiking shoes! 🥾💦

Context: Visit the Plugstreet 14-18 Experience beforehand to truly bring the stories behind these locations to life.

Resting Point: There are beautiful spots in the forest for a picnic, but bring enough water and snacks 🥪.

🎯 Conclusion

This route is highly recommended for those who enjoy a vigorous walk with a deeper meaning. The combination of the rolling landscape and the serene cemeteries in the forest leaves no one untouched. 🕊️