Comines walks

This route through the Comines countryside is accessible all year round, although the best time to visit is from April to October. The hedges of trees and shrubs that separate the fields protect them from temperature fluctuations. They also help to slow down soil erosion by regulating water runoff and maintaining the flora and fauna.The alignments along the paths and roads are made up of pollarded willows or poplars.

Start and finish at the car park on Route des Docks in Comines B. This walk partly follows the route des Tilleuls on the French side It is possible to start the walk from Quai Verboeckhoven in Warneton

The Parc des Prés de la Lys is a place for walking, heritage and wetland conservation, a picnic area, promoting soft mobility, etc. Its recent development (2022), which is still evolving, also offers a magnificent view of the two Comines, municipalities on the banks of the Lys.

Departure and arrival at the car park near Saint Médard Church in Wervik. Crossing the border on the Lys bridge. A passage is made at Wervicq-Sud. The path runs along the river to Chemin des Vaches, crosses the countryside of Bousbecque, Parc Dalle-Dumont, followed by crossing the border and the De Balokken nature reserve.

Although most of the dirt tracks have now been resurfaced as country lanes, this route along the Belgian border might appeal to you because of the diversity of its surroundings.

Departure and arrival at the Moulin Soete car park in Comines-Ten-Brielen via the countryside of Kruiseke in Wervik and Houthem Passing by the Ravenstein vineyard in Wervik-Kruiseke and the Ferme Bleue vineyard.

Start and finish at the car park of Saint-Médard Church in Wervik via the Lys, Menin, Halluin marina, Bousbecque and Wervicq-Sud. This route is part of the Montagne route in Wervicq-Sud.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Bas-Warneton via the countryside around Houthem. The walk follows the Ypres-Comines canal to the Lys river, then takes the towpath to the Bas-Warneton cemetery before arriving at the square in Bas-Warneton.

A beautiful route through the fields, great for getting some fresh air, but preferably in dry weather.

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 and arrival at the car park on the main square in Messines via the countryside of Houthem. This is a ride straddling the border between Wallonia and Flanders, crossing the countryside of Heuvelland with its many British military cemeteries from the First World War.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Messines via the countryside of Houthem and Hollebeke. The walk passes the old school in Linde, which is a completely renovated and very peaceful rural school in the Heuvelland. The building is listed in the cultural heritage index and is therefore unique.

Departure and arrival at the car park on the main square in Messines. During the 1914-1918 war, Wijtschate was taken by the Germans in early November 1914. It was recaptured by Commonwealth forces during the Battle of Messines on 7 June 1917, but fell back into German hands on 16 April 1918. The village was recaptured for the last time on 28 September.

Start and finish at the car park on the main square in Messines via the countryside of Warneton and Bas-Warneton and through the village of Houthem. The start and finish can also be in the village of Houthem.

Departure and arrival at the car park on Messines' main square. This is an important memorial site for the First World War. This route is ideal for hiking in winter as it follows paths with solid surfaces and no muddy sections.

Departure and arrival at the car park on Zwarteleenstraat in Zillebeke or at the following car parks: Kleine Ieperstraat in Zandvoorde, the Palingbeek estate in Hollebeke or Hill 60: Zwarteleenstraat 40 in Zillebeke

Departure from the car park on Kleine Leperstraat in Zandvoorde via Mount Sorrel, Hill 60, Caterpillar Crater, and the provincial domain of Palingbeek.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the Irish Tower in the Peace Park in Messines. The Irish Island Peace Park refers to the Battle of the Mines in 1917. At that time, Irish Catholic and Protestant soldiers fought side by side. Young Irish people helped build the tower as a sign of reconciliation. This site offers a magnificent view of the surrounding hilly landscape.

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.

An easy 10 Km round trip along both banks of the Deûle canal. __⚠️ Work reported on the outward bank between points 1 and 4 on February 13, 2022. Plan to make the return trip on the other bank while waiting for the work to be completed.__

Departure from the car park at the visitor centre of the Palingbeek provincial estate on Vaarstraat.

Departure from the car park on Zwarteleenstraat in Zillebeke via Mont Sorrel and Zandvoordebos. Crossing the woods of Zandvoorde and the provincial domain of West Flanders. Passing through Mont Sorrel.

A very pleasant hike: lots of woodland, very few small roads and some beautiful clearings. A good half-day in the great outdoors. This hike can be combined with a stroll through the Palingbeek Estate for a route of about 22 km (connecting route between Palingbeek and Gasthuisbossen).

At the start of this route, you can visit the magnificent park and garden of the Countess de Robersart, who lived at the château of the same name in the 19th century. This perfectly circular garden contains many listed medicinal and perennial plants.You'll also appreciate this remarkable marina on the Canal de la Deûle.The rest of the route is a leisurely stroll on asphalt through the Wambrechies countryside.

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.

A short route along very quiet country lanes, leading to the Bois de Tournebride (open to the public since May 2026).Situated in the heart of the Lille metropolitan area, the brand-new Verlinghem Wood covers a magnificent, unspoilt area of 34 hectares. To effectively protect the local flora and fauna, half of its area is entirely designated as a nature reserve and off-limits to the public. Walkers can, however, explore the remaining 17 hectares thanks to the restoration of the historic tree-lined paths and the creation of a circular educational trail. Wooden footbridges and jetties have also been installed to allow easy access across the wetlands, offering superb vantage points from which to observe the site’s biodiversity.

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.

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 short cycle ride in Belgium, starting gently on flat roads. It is only around Nieuwkerke that you will work up a bit of a sweat. The rest of the route is really easy going.

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)

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.

A cycle ride through the countryside, starting from Houplines, passing through Frelinghem and the Deulemont lock, circling Quesnoy-sur-Deule and continuing to Wambrechies, before returning via Lompret.

A short loop between Armentières and Lille that passes through Les Weppes whilst avoiding major roads as much as possible. On tarmac roads, you’ll discover the countryside and also the AustralianFirst World War memorial.

A short, very peaceful cycle ride around Ploegsteert, avoiding the steep climbs of Nieuwkerke. The route takes place in Belgium, above Armentières, passing through Le Bizet.

A cycle route combining countryside and main roads, near Mont Noir for want of any other option. Patience and pedalling will see you through the climbs, which are, nevertheless, gradual, with no steep gradients.

A short cycle ride in Belgium around Mont Kemmel, without having to sweat on its slopes, via a route that uses only tarmac roads and a few quiet paths. In short, nothing but enjoyment and a few scenic views.

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.

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.

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.

Departure and arrival at the car park of the cultural centre in 't Riet in Zillebeke. Passing through the woods of Zwarte Leen, Mont Sorrel, Zandvoorde, Sanctuary Wood, and the provincial domain of Vierlingen

This short walk takes you on a stroll along the Marque, starting from Saint-Vincent Church in Marcq-en-Barœul.