Palingbeek Visitor Centre and the Caterpillar Crater in Zillebeke
A circular walking route starting from the car park at the visitor centre of the Palingbeek Provincial Estate in Ypres. It takes you on a journey through time, from the canal to the craters of the First World War (1914–1918).
Details
Creation:
Last update:
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Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 6.25 mi -
Average duration: 3h 05 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 240 ft -
Descent: - 226 ft -
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Highest point: 213 ft -
Lowest point: 112 ft
Country:
City:
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 112 ft - Palingbeek Visitor Centre
- 1 : mi 0.63 - alt. 118 ft - Astrolab IRIS 1 and 2 Observatory
- 2 : mi 1.29 - alt. 184 ft - Fork in the road
- 3 : mi 2.35 - alt. 190 ft - Komenseweg
- 4 : mi 3.4 - alt. 213 ft - Mine Crater Caterpillar
- 5 : mi 4.15 - alt. 194 ft - Molenbos
- 6 : mi 5.22 - alt. 167 ft - Cemetery
- S/E : mi 6.25 - alt. 112 ft - Palingbeek Visitor Centre
Other walks in the area
Zillebeke Palingbeek Vaartstraat via Zwarte Leen and Mont Sorrel
Visorando Member9.43 mi
+240 ft
-223 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
Departure and arrival at the car park of the visitor centre of the provincial domain of Palingbeek, Vaartstraat 7 in Zillebeke. Other departure and arrival points are possible at the Hill 60 car park on Zwarteleenstraat in Zillebeke or at the car park on Zwarteleenstraat 7 in Zillebeke via Mont Sorrel.
A stroll through the Palingbeek estate
6.69 mi
+295 ft
-289 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
A lovely cool walk when it’s hot in the Palingbeek Estate, which is remarkably well-maintained considering we’re in Belgium.There are numerous paths on the site; I recommend using the app.For history buffs, there are plenty of information boards (in multiple languages!).
Please note, it gets very busy at weekends.
This walk can be combined with the Gasthuisbossen for a route of around 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and the Gasthuisbossen)
Circular Zillebeke Palingbeek Vaartstraat
6.74 mi
+240 ft
-240 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
Departure from the car park at the visitor centre of the Palingbeek provincial estate on Vaarstraat.
Caterpillar Crater Circular Loop
7.89 mi
+285 ft
-276 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
This 12.1 km circular walk starting from Hill 60, near Ypres, offers an immersion in nature and the memory of the First World War. Accessible and of moderate difficulty, it begins along the Ypres-Komen canal before crossing the open landscapes and ponds of the Palingbeek estate. The route alternates between paths, forest trails and wooden footbridges, with a few flights of steps.
Hill 60, Mont Sorrel and Zwarte Leen from Zillebeke
9.51 mi
+295 ft
-295 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
Departure from Zillebeke, at the in 't Riet cultural centre, via the provincial estate of Palingbeek, the Caterpillar crater, Hill 60, Zwarte Leen, Mont Sorrel and Hill 62.
Zillebeke, Hooge Crater Cemetery, Bellewaerde and Mont Sorrel
9.45 mi
+213 ft
-200 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
A circular walking route starting from Zillebeke Church and passing through the fourth-largest Commonwealth military cemetery in Europe, with 5,923 graves: Hooge Crater Cemetery. The walk passes by Bellewaerde Park, Mont Sorrel, Zwarte Leen and Palingbeek.
Palingbeek and Hill 62 starting from Zillebeke
9.34 mi
+348 ft
-331 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
Walk along part of the First World War front line: the area between Hill 60 and Hill 62. You will also pass one of the most remarkable and interesting war museums in Belgium: the Sanctuary Wood Museum. A must-see. You can also have a drink there.Departure from the in 't Riet cultural centre via the visitor centre of the Palingbeek provincial estate and the Canadian site Hill 62.
Zillebeke, Hooge Crater, Bellewaerde, Mont Sorrel and Palingbeek
9.66 mi
+417 ft
-417 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Ieper (Flandre-Occidentale)
A circular walking route starting from Zillebeke Church via the Hooge Crater: the fourth-largest Commonwealth military cemetery in Europe, with 5,923 graves. Nearby are Bellewaerde amusement park, Mont Sorrel and the Palingbeek Estate nature reserve.
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