The Irish Tower in the Peace Park and the Wijtschate countryside
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.
Details
Creation:
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Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 10.09 km -
Average duration: 3h 00 -
Difficulty: Easy -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 54 m -
Descent: - 56 m -
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Highest point: 84 m -
Lowest point: 22 m
Country:
District:
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 46 m - Irish Tower at the Peace Park
- 1 : km 2.42 - alt. 40 m - Messines Street
- 2 : km 5.65 - alt. 81 m - Wijtschate
- 3 : km 6.22 - alt. 72 m - N365
- S/E : km 10.09 - alt. 46 m - Irish Tower at the Peace Park
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The start and finish can also be in the village of Houthem.
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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.
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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.
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Departure from Comines-Warneton (Hainaut)
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