The First World War set the Westhoek ablaze, but reconstruction proceeded at a rapid speed. Yet not all the scars in the landscape disappeared.<\/p>\n
The renewed Peace cycling trail lets you explore the former front of World War I on the Ypres Salient. The 45 km route guides you past WWI sites, beautiful nature and impressive panoramas. In total, we explore three regions: Zonnebeke, Ypres and Langemark-Poelkapelle.<\/p>\n
From the centre of Zonnebeke, we climb the church tower<\/a><\/strong> and visit the Passchendaele Museum<\/strong><\/a> in the chateau domain<\/a><\/strong>. We then go uphill to the peaceful Polygoonbos<\/a>,<\/strong> where a bloody battle took place. We descend via the Gasthuisbossen and provincial domain De Palingbeek to reach the centre of Ypres along Zillebekevijver.<\/p>\n You cycle through the peace city of Ypres and go to the former front on the Ypres Salient. You follow the Ypres – Ijzer Canal to then take the Vrijbos route towards the German positions.<\/p>\n You cycle past one WWI site after another, squeezing the brakes several times. The Soldatenfriedhof in Langemark-Poelkapelle is a poignant place of silence, especially when we read the ages on the gravestones. At the top of the giant Tyne Cot Cemetery<\/a><\/strong>, you get a great view of the region.<\/p>\n This cycle route is integrated as a suggestion loop in the cycle network map “Westhoek”. There will no longer be a separate leaflet of the cycle route. However, the route will remain signposted.<\/p>\nGood to know<\/h2>\n
Practical<\/strong> info:<\/h2>\n
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