The best gravel rides around Pittem

Nice place to cycle but watch out for inexperienced cyclists who want to cross the bridge.

The (historical) Scheepsput can be found in the beautiful green Sint-Pietersveld. You would hardly believe it, but this well was dug in the mid-19th century to build a three-master. The large sailing ship served as a training ground for the sailors of a reform school in the area (now Community Institution De Zande). The pond was given the name 'Het Schip', but was transformed by the local population into the Scheepsput.

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world, located near Passchendaele. It was established in October 1917 and contains over 11,000 graves of soldiers who died during the First World War. The site was strategically important during the Battle of Passchendaele and was used as an advanced dressing station after its capture by the 3rd Australian Division on 4 October 1917. The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and includes an impressive Cross of Sacrifice, built on a former German bunker. The cemetery was significantly expanded after the Armistice to include graves from nearby battlefields and smaller cemeteries.

The Polygon Forest, also known as Polygon Wood, is a historically and ecologically valuable forest area in Zonnebeke. The forest is located on the Central West Flemish ridge and is an important breeding ground for birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, kestrels and buzzards. The Polygon Forest also houses important war memorials, including the Buttes New British Cemetery and the smaller Polygon Wood Cemetery. These cemeteries are a tribute to the soldiers who died during the First World War. An interesting anecdote concerns the Scott Post and the New Zealand Bunkers, which can still be found in the forest. These bunkers were built by the Germans and later occupied by the Australian divisions in 1917.

Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world, located near Passchendaele. It was established in October 1917 and contains over 11,000 graves of soldiers who died during the First World War. The site was strategically important during the Battle of Passchendaele and was used as an advanced dressing station after its capture by the 3rd Australian Division on 4 October 1917. The cemetery was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and includes an impressive Cross of Sacrifice, built on a former German bunker. The cemetery was significantly expanded after the Armistice to include graves from nearby battlefields and smaller cemeteries.

A poignant anecdote about Tyne Cot Cemetery concerns the father and son, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Moorhouse and Captain Ronald Moorhouse. Both served with the 4th Battalion, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and were killed within an hour of each other during the Third Battle of Ypres. Harry Moorhouse was seeking medical attention for his badly wounded son when he himself was killed. Their bodies were never recovered, but their names are immortalised on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

The current castle is the second to be built in the Bulskampveld. The Liège architect Clément Léonard drew the plans for this neo-Gothic country estate. From 1887 to 1892, approximately 80 men worked day in, day out on the new castle and the outbuildings. Count H. de Meeus financed the prestigious project as the client. The new castle shows little castle allure. It is a large country house in a sober, neo-Gothic style. At the same time as the construction of the castle, a new coach house was built, as well as horse and cow stables. On the side of the vegetable garden, now a herb garden, we notice that parts of older buildings were used: among other things, a piece of fieldstone wall was preserved. A water tower was constructed on the corner of the coach house. On top of this tower stood a mill that pumped the water from the artesian well. A clock-like instrument on the tower indicated the height of the water supply. (Province of West Flanders)

Here you will find a variety of cycle paths that meander through the wooded domain. The domain, located in the province of West Flanders, offers a peaceful and picturesque environment, perfect for a relaxing ride. The route takes you through green forests, along vast fields and over picturesque bridges.