From Ypres to Heuvelland and back via Great Route Paths

Departure and arrival: Rijselpoort Ieper

The route mainly follows low-traffic asphalt roads, with some unpaved field paths, and primarily follows the Grande Route Paths (region GR Heuvelland, GR5A, GR128).

Depart from Ieper over the fortifications and along the Ieper-Ijzer canal, and walk through the Tortelbos and over country roads to Kemmel. Through the Warandepark, you continue towards Wulvergem and take some beautiful field paths that lead you past the mine craters between Mesen and Wijtschate. The 'Pool of Peace' (Spanbroekmolen crater) is a place to pause for a moment, both literally and figuratively. A beautiful passage through the Kroonaardbos in Wijtschate then brings you to Hollebeke, and through a detour through the somewhat mysterious Huikerbossen, the diverted canal takes you back to Ieper.

 
The hike itself is not difficult; only the distance may make it a bit challenging. The beautiful vistas and perhaps a meeting with a unicorn or a deer more than compensate for it.