The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Polygonebos

Two corrections: Contrary to what the original name of this highlight stated, you are not in the Begelen domain (which is located in Gullegem, about 25 km from here), but in the Palingbeek domain. And, contrary to what another user here stated, this was not previously a mining area (in the sense of a mining area), but an area scarred by mines and bombs during the First World War.

The provincial domain of Gasthuisbossen (Hospital Forests) originated during the Middle Ages when the wealthiest inhabitants of Ypres sought to earn their keep by donating to churches and monasteries. This enabled the construction of impressive Gothic churches between 1200 and 1350. They also founded almshouses and almshouses: a combination of hospital, poor relief, and asylums (now the Public Centre for Social Welfare). To finance the operation of their almshouses and almshouses, the wealthy also donated agricultural land and forests. Thus, there are 220 hectares of "Hospital Forests" around Ypres. The Ypres Gasthuisbossen encompass eight domains: Huikerbossen and Padhoekbos, Twaalfgemetenbos and Papenelst, Zwarte Leenbos, Groenenburg, Zandvoordebos, Godtschalck Domain, Hoge Netelaar, and Drieblotenbos. In Wijtschate, there is also Kampagnebos. In 1996, over 200 hectares of forest were leased by the Ypres region to the Province of West Flanders. The Gasthuisbossen now form a provincial domain. This information is from the map "Ypres Salient Walking Network."

Good running gravel, slightly ascending. Beautiful view on the left and the forest on the right. For me one of the most beautiful gravel paths in the area.

Beautiful nature, lots of explanation about the region along various information boards.

An interesting anecdote about Polygon Wood Cemetery concerns the only German soldier buried there, Hans Bogner. His headstone was once broken in two and later repaired. This is remarkable because it is quite rare for headstones to spontaneously break, suggesting that there is a special story behind this damage. There is also the story of Second Lieutenant John Lowe, a Royal Engineer buried in the cemetery. He was awarded both the Military Cross and the Military Medal, indicating that he showed exceptional courage and leadership during the fighting.

Polygon Wood Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery located in Zonnebeke. It was originally established in August 1917 as a frontline cemetery and contains the graves of 108 soldiers, 19 of whom are unknown. Most of the buried soldiers are from New Zealand and the United Kingdom, with one German soldier. The cemetery is located in the historic Polygon Wood, which was the scene of fierce fighting during the First World War. The cemetery's design, by Charles Holden, includes a Cross of Sacrifice and a walled entrance.

The Polygon Forest, also known as Polygon Wood, is a historically and ecologically valuable forest area in Zonnebeke. The forest is located on the Central West Flemish ridge and is an important breeding ground for birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, kestrels and buzzards. The Polygon Forest also houses important war memorials, including the Buttes New British Cemetery and the smaller Polygon Wood Cemetery. These cemeteries are a tribute to the soldiers who died during the First World War. An interesting anecdote concerns the Scott Post and the New Zealand Bunkers, which can still be found in the forest. These bunkers were built by the Germans and later occupied by the Australian divisions in 1917.

This crater is very impressive.