The best traffic-free bike rides around Meulebeke

It's nice to cycle down to the Leie towards Kortrijk or Waregem w

a very nice route

The (historical) Scheepsput can be found in the beautiful green Sint-Pietersveld. You would hardly believe it, but this well was dug in the mid-19th century to build a three-master. The large sailing ship served as a training ground for the sailors of a reform school in the area (now Community Institution De Zande). The pond was given the name 'Het Schip', but was transformed by the local population into the Scheepsput.

is The lock in Ooigem forms an essential connection between the Roeselare-Leie Canal and the Leie. However, the lock dates from the early 1970s and was due for a thorough renovation in 2023. These works were accompanied by a drying out of the lock. Among other things, it was given new lock gates and the possibility of remote control. The lock is the only connection between the Leie and the Roeselare-Leie Canal. And annually transfers no less than 4 million tons of cargo. Source: https://www.vlaamsewaterweg.be/nieuws/sluis-ooigem-wordt-klaargetoomd-voor-de-toekomst

Today, parts of the castle are rented out as a venue for corporate events, seminars, parties, and more. Extensive work has been carried out for this purpose over the past quarter century. Mr. Marc Van Honsebrouck, who died last year at the age of 89, had lived in the castle with his family since 1986, and had already commissioned renovations around the turn of the century. But disaster struck shortly afterward. On September 20, 2001, at 1:45 a.m., a fire broke out. Fortunately, Mr. Marc and his family managed to escape, but the entire left wing, both the ground floor and the upper floor, was completely destroyed. Although the fire department arrived very quickly, many priceless works of art were lost in the fire. The building itself suffered greatly, but the skill of the firefighters managed to stop the all-consuming flames. The grief over this terrible event was palpable far beyond the castle grounds. In 2012, Mr. Marc Van Honsebrouk decided to take over the castle's entire care and bought out his brother, who had been co-owner until then. His plan was to breathe new life into the castle, which had only been made wind- and watertight after the fire. The result of the past few years is the magnificent halls that shine again. Sources: https://kasteelvaningelmunster.be/ https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20230824_96366895

The origin of the name "Ingelmunster" most likely lies in the history of this castle. The castle was built on the ruins of a seventh-century monastery. In 740, the monastery was reportedly inhabited by English monks, who gave it their name: Anglo Monaterum, Engelmunster, or Ingelmunster, meaning "Monastery of the Angels." In 855, the monastery fell prey to the Normans, the feared rulers of the sea. They plundered and burned the monastery. Little more than a ruin remained of the "Monastery of the Angels." The first Flemish ruler to establish a political presence in West Flanders was Robert I the Frisian, the tenth Count of Flanders. His reign lasted from 1071 to 1093, and he had the fortified castle built on the site of the ruins. Ingelmunster's location, on the doorstep of West Flanders and along the waterway that crossed the military route between Kortrijk and Bruges, was of such strategic importance that it was called the "Key to Flanders." Ingelmunster Castle, which at that time was still a veritable "lock," offered the key to unlocking a tactical advantage. Source: https://kasteelvaningelmunster.be/historiek-kasteel/

The Bergkapel O.L.V. van de Zeven Sorrows is a serene place in the middle of nature, situated on a wooded hill. This intimate chapel from the 19th century attracts visitors with its quiet atmosphere and beautiful location, surrounded by tall trees and birdsong.

Here you will find a variety of cycle paths that meander through the wooded domain. The domain, located in the province of West Flanders, offers a peaceful and picturesque environment, perfect for a relaxing ride. The route takes you through green forests, along vast fields and over picturesque bridges.