The best traffic-free bike rides around Bois de Ploegsteert
4.6
(59)
508
riders
24
rides
Gravel biking around Bois de Ploegsteert, located in Wallonia, Belgium, features extensive woodlands spanning approximately 260 hectares, forming the largest forested area between Lille and the Belgian coast. The region offers varied terrain for no traffic gravel bike trails, including rolling paths, flat sections, and elevated points like Mont de La Hutte, which reaches over 60 meters. This Natura 2000 ecological site is crisscrossed by accessible communal paths, providing diverse surfaces for gravel cyclists. The area also incorporates historical World War I landmarks, adding a unique dimension to the gravel routes.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Bois de Ploegsteert
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Gravel along the Deûle – Pont Rouge loop from Frelinghien, a 27.3 miles (43.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 12 minutes to complete. This route offers a moderate challenge with varied surfaces along the Deûle river.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Warneton Greenway – Pont Rouge loop from Houplines, an easy 14.7 miles (23.7 km) path. This route features gentle gradients and scenic sections along the greenway.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Singletrack of the End of the World – Pont Rouge loop from Warneton, a 21.2 miles (34.2 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 56 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Bois de Ploegsteert is defined by extensive woodlands, rolling paths, and historical World War I sites. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy rides to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Bois de Ploegsteert are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 500 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Bois de Ploegsteert's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
4.6
(45)
297
riders
43.9km
02:12
80m
80m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
45.1km
02:39
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
riders
23.7km
01:19
40m
40m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
32
riders
36.3km
02:00
70m
70m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
riders
69.0km
04:43
800m
800m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Popular around Bois de Ploegsteert
Tips from the Community
super route along the water
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Very smooth gravel path. No particular difficulty.
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Easier side of Kemmelberg, but don't start too hard and leave some energy to the last part, which kicks just before the top.
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Better tarmac on this side of the Lys than on the other side.
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Bad tarmac for inline skaters or longboarders. It is so much better along the Lys.
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Beautiful technical passage on mountain bike
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Beautiful rural path that follows the French-Belgian border.
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Beautiful railway cycle path, too bad France isn't well connected. There are also roads across the border, so all cycle paths should be like that too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Bois de Ploegsteert?
There are 18 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Bois de Ploegsteert. These routes vary in difficulty, with 7 easy, 8 moderate, and 3 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic gravel trails in Bois de Ploegsteert?
The trails offer a varied experience, combining rolling paths, green areas, and extensive woodlands. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved segments, with some routes featuring flat sections and others including elevated points like Mont de La Hutte, which offers panoramic views over the Douve valley.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic gravel routes in the area?
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. A good option is the Warneton Greenway – Pont Rouge loop from Houplines, which is 23.7 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant ride for all ages.
What historical landmarks can I explore along the no-traffic gravel bike trails?
Bois de Ploegsteert is rich in WWI history. You can encounter several poignant sites, including the Royal Berks cemetery, the Ploegsteert Wood Military Cemetery, and the World War II Bunker in Ploegsteert Forest. These sites offer a unique historical dimension to your ride.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the no-traffic trails in Bois de Ploegsteert?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, extensive woodlands, the diverse terrain, and the rich historical context that makes each ride an exploration. The absence of traffic is a frequently highlighted benefit.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic gravel routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, consider the Kemmelberg cobbled climb – Mont Noir (West) loop from Armentières. This difficult 68.7 km route features significant elevation gain and varied terrain, including cobbled sections, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.
Can I find circular no-traffic gravel routes in Bois de Ploegsteert?
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Gravel along the Deûle – Pont Rouge loop from Frelinghien is a moderate 43.9 km circular route that offers a great tour of the local landscape.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Bois de Ploegsteert?
The Bois de Ploegsteert is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also great, especially within the shaded forest paths. Even winter can be suitable, though some paths might be muddy, adding to the adventure.
Are there any specific natural features or viewpoints to look out for on these trails?
Absolutely. The Bois de Ploegsteert is a Natura 2000 ecological site, so keep an eye out for local wildlife like birds, deer, and squirrels. The Chemin du Mont de la Hutte is a notable path that leads to Mont de La Hutte, offering a vast panorama over the Douve valley and the town of Messines.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic gravel bike trails?
Parking is generally available at various entry points to the Bois de Ploegsteert and in nearby villages. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot, or by checking local tourism resources like visitcomines-warneton.be for general access points to the forest.
Are there any moderate no-traffic gravel routes that offer a good balance of distance and challenge?
For a moderate ride that balances distance and challenge, consider the Towpath of the Lys – Pont Rouge loop from Armentières. This 35.6 km route offers a scenic journey with a manageable elevation gain, perfect for a satisfying day out without heavy traffic.
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