Houplines walks

A ride with a few climbs in the Belgian Flanders, all whilst staying in the countryside. You can stop off at Nieuwkerke or Dranouter if you feel like it.

Departure and arrival at the Rue du Touquet car park near the Ploegsteert brickworks via the Howarderie and the Ploegsteert Ornithological Nature Reserve. Located in the heart of the Lys Valley, this remarkable 100-hectare site is a treat for bird lovers.

Start and finish at the car park near Bizet Church via the Ornithological Nature Reserve and Rue de la Howarderie in Ploegsteert. This route crosses a muddy farm track during winter.

This often shaded walk, straddling the Belgian border, may appeal to you, as 90% of the route runs alongside the banks of the Lys and the Deûle.

Departure from the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert town centre via the countryside of Neuve-Église. Pass by the farms. Dirt track to the border with Neuve-Église. Then a paved path and return via a dirt track. Pass through the Bois de la Hutte at the end of the route.

Departure from the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the countryside of Neuve Eglise, Wulvergem, the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre and the British Memorial in Ploegsteert. Pass through dirt roads that cross agricultural areas.

A long stroll across flat land with a nice climb at the end. Only two slightly difficult sections, so it's an ideal walk in autumn and winter. The walk starts on a small road with few houses and therefore little traffic, before crossing Le Bizet via Les Voyettes. The route then continues along the canal and the beautiful Pont Bayart bridge, which is reserved for non-motorised traffic, then past a few ponds with facilities for welcoming storks, before ending at the Bois de Ploegsteert.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre, the British memorial, the Bois de la Hutte and the countryside around Neuve Église The walk crosses a field of crops and muddy, slippery dirt tracks, especially in winter.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the Plugstreet Interpretation Centre, the British Memorial, Bois de la Hutte and the countryside around Neuve-Eglise. The route crosses a cornfield.

A circular route through countryside and woodland, taking in places steeped in history.After a somewhat tedious first kilometre, the walk follows a series of paths and quiet country lanes to reach Wulvergem.After a lovely circular route through Wulvergem, you’ll find a wild path at a place called Rosenberg before crossing the Bois de la Hutte. A short stretch then along the Ghent-Wevelgem roads to reach the Christmas Truce Cemetery.You then cross the Ploegsteert Wood to reach the Memorial Museum.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Ploegsteert via the countryside of Neuve Église and Rosenberg, the Bois de la Hutte and the Plugstreet interpretation centre This walk crosses dirt tracks and farmland, some of which are muddy during the winter.

Hike starting and ending at the Ploegsteert sports hall

A pleasant circular route starting from Pérenchies, along small country roads and a few dirt tracks (muddy in winter). Along the way, you can enjoy blackberries (in season), you’ll come across horses (at the riding centres), and perhaps a heron, storks and flamingos. This route offers the chance to discover 8 geocaches for enthusiasts.

Start and finish at the car park in front of the British memorial in Ploegsteert. It is also possible to start from the main square in Ploegsteert. The route crosses a field, so check the weather before setting off. Some paths are quite muddy in winter.

Departure and arrival at the car park in front of the British memorial in Ploegsteert via the historic site of the Christmas Truce memorial and the Rosenberg. Pass by Wallonia's only hop farm, called Forrest Farm.

Prémesques, the starting village, is at the edge of the suburbs, close to Lomme and Pérenchies.This humble asphalt route could nonetheless satisfy joggers and provide plenty of fresh air for walkers. What else could you ask for?If you set off at daybreak, you might see a few partridges fly in, encounter a few rabbits and maybe even some hares.