RoutesBike touring routes & trailsFranceNorthern FranceDunkirkHondschoote
Sint-Karelsmolen – Spinnewyn Mill loop from Hondschoote
RoutesBike touring routes & trailsFranceNorthern FranceDunkirkHondschoote
Sint-Karelsmolen – Spinnewyn Mill loop from Hondschoote
Moderate
4.3
(15)
60
riders
Sint-Karelsmolen – Spinnewyn Mill loop from Hondschoote
02:42
47.8km
60m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1
630 m
Hondschoote
Highlight • Settlement
Hondschoote is a charming commune in northern France, located in the Hauts-de-France region, close to the Belgian border. The town has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the County of Flanders and later the Burgundian and Spanish Netherlands. Hondschoote was known in the 16th century for its flourishing textile industry, particularly the production of sable, a light, twilled woolen cloth. A major historical event for the town was the Battle of Hondschoote in 1793, in which French troops repelled an invasion by English, Hanoverian and Austrian troops. Today, Hondschoote is a peaceful town with historic buildings such as the 16th century town hall and the impressive 14th century church.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
22.9 km
Ghyvelde fossil dunes
Highlight • Other
A beautiful nature reserve with several entry points. Have time? Take your time and enjoy this nature reserve.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
27.5 km
Markey Ponds
Highlight • Lake
The Markey ponds, the Dutch Markey Ponds, also called Flemish Western Pitten or Pittn, are a group of two small lakes located in Adinkerque in the city of De Panne.
Originally, Markey Ponds were mines dug for the extraction of sand.
In 1999 they were purchased by the province of West Flanders and subsequently leased by the municipality of De Panne for a long-term leasehold of 99 years. This has their valuation carried out by January 2003.
A fountain was installed in the unprotected north pond in the summer of 2016.
In July 2017, excavations will take place in the ponds in search of weapons of the Nijvel gang that were allegedly thrown there.
The ponds are rich in fish, which can only be caught in the northern pond. Swans and ducks also live in the area.
The management plan of the Agency for Nature and Forests provides that the southern pond remains free of fishing activities in order to increase the population of great crested newts. The plan also provides for the improvement of the environment to allow the maintenance of dragonfly populations and aquatic plant biodiversity.
Originally, Markey Ponds were mines dug for the extraction of sand.
In 1999 they were purchased by the province of West Flanders and subsequently leased by the municipality of De Panne for a long-term leasehold of 99 years. This has their valuation carried out by January 2003.
A fountain was installed in the unprotected north pond in the summer of 2016.
In July 2017, excavations will take place in the ponds in search of weapons of the Nijvel gang that were allegedly thrown there.
The ponds are rich in fish, which can only be caught in the northern pond. Swans and ducks also live in the area.
The management plan of the Agency for Nature and Forests provides that the southern pond remains free of fishing activities in order to increase the population of great crested newts. The plan also provides for the improvement of the environment to allow the maintenance of dragonfly populations and aquatic plant biodiversity.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4
29.1 km
De Panne–Adinkerke Railway Station
Highlight • Rest Area
An important hub in WWI was Adinkerke station, which served as a shelter for the wounded. Soldiers were taken to the station by horse and cart or by tram, from where they traveled inland by train. Only military transport of ammunition, supplies and troops was given priority over the single track. In March 1915 there was a huge influx of wounded. Did you know that when Marie Curie rushed to the station in a radiology van to screen wounded soldiers. (EOS)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
31.5 km
Waterway Through Open Landscape Near De Panne
Highlight • Cycleway
This quiet road near De Panne winds through a vast, open landscape with wide views over green fields and typical Flemish farmland. The paved road is flat and relaxed, ideal for a quiet bike ride or walk with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the silence and the surrounding nature.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
32.4 km
Wayside Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
7
35.3 km
Sint-Karelsmolen
Highlight • Monument
The Sint-Karelsmolen was built around 1850 to replace the Leiemolen, one of the wooden polder mills that were built between 1814 and 1820. Together with the polder mills that were built in the context of the second reclamation of De Moeren in the second half of the 18th century, these mills ensured the drainage of this water-rich area. In addition to being a polder mill, the Sint-Gustaafsmolen also served as a corn mill.
The Sint-Gustaafsmolen was in operation until the First World War. After that, it was neglected for years. During a storm in 1923, the mill lost its wooden inner rod, a pestle rod. In 1927, the mill suffered storm damage again. Not only the metal outer rod but also the wooden mill cap, which turned on wooden rollers, was blown away. That same year, the mill was dismantled and a pointed cap was placed on the body. The mill shaft was recovered in 1935 during the construction of the very last stone tower mill, the now disappeared Lindemolen in Alveringem.
In 1985, the Sint-Gustaafsmolen became the property of Willem Vermandere, who had the mill body restored.
Source: wikimapia.org/40559820/nl/Sint-Gustaafsmolen
The Sint-Gustaafsmolen was in operation until the First World War. After that, it was neglected for years. During a storm in 1923, the mill lost its wooden inner rod, a pestle rod. In 1927, the mill suffered storm damage again. Not only the metal outer rod but also the wooden mill cap, which turned on wooden rollers, was blown away. That same year, the mill was dismantled and a pointed cap was placed on the body. The mill shaft was recovered in 1935 during the construction of the very last stone tower mill, the now disappeared Lindemolen in Alveringem.
In 1985, the Sint-Gustaafsmolen became the property of Willem Vermandere, who had the mill body restored.
Source: wikimapia.org/40559820/nl/Sint-Gustaafsmolen
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8
47.4 km
Spinnewyn Mill
Highlight • Monument
The Spinnewyn mill or Mill of Victory was built in 1993 as a reminder of the gendarmes, heroes of the battle of Hondschoote in 1793.
In September 1793, a coalition of English and Hanoverians wanted to destroy the French republic and restore the monarchy. To do this, the English besiege Dunkirk. They receive reinforcement from the Hanoverians who come up against the French led by General Houchard. The Hanoverians are driven back to Hondschoote. The decisive battles take place around the SPINNEWYN Mill. On the French side this is fought out by the gendarmes of the 32nd division who hold back the invasion.
A century later, the Spinnewyn mill was demolished. On the bicentenary of the battle of Hondschoote, it was decided to rebuild the mill under which the fiercest fighting took place. The Spinnewyn mill is a post mill. During local festivals, the millstones are turned and grain can be ground again.
Source: ot-hautsdeflandre.fr/ontvangst/ontdek-de-hauts-de-flandre/cultural-erfgoed/charmante-dorpen/Warrem-Warhem
In September 1793, a coalition of English and Hanoverians wanted to destroy the French republic and restore the monarchy. To do this, the English besiege Dunkirk. They receive reinforcement from the Hanoverians who come up against the French led by General Houchard. The Hanoverians are driven back to Hondschoote. The decisive battles take place around the SPINNEWYN Mill. On the French side this is fought out by the gendarmes of the 32nd division who hold back the invasion.
A century later, the Spinnewyn mill was demolished. On the bicentenary of the battle of Hondschoote, it was decided to rebuild the mill under which the fiercest fighting took place. The Spinnewyn mill is a post mill. During local festivals, the millstones are turned and grain can be ground again.
Source: ot-hautsdeflandre.fr/ontvangst/ontdek-de-hauts-de-flandre/cultural-erfgoed/charmante-dorpen/Warrem-Warhem
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
47.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
40.3 km
4.78 km
1.82 km
573 m
187 m
184 m
Surfaces
37.5 km
9.54 km
311 m
283 m
138 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 29 July
26°C
17°C
0 %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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