The best traffic-free bike rides around Het Leen
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Gravel biking around Het Leen offers a network of no traffic gravel bike trails through a diverse landscape of forests, ponds, and open agricultural fields. The region, part of the European Natura 2000 network, features varied terrain including unpaved sections along canals and through woodlands. While the core Het Leen domain has some restrictions, the surrounding regional network, including areas like Lembeekse Bossen, provides extensive opportunities for gravel biking. These routes are characterized by mixed forests, natural hedgerows, and occasional sandy sections.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Het Leen
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Lembeekbos – The Gastels Gravel Path loop from Eeklo, a 23.6 miles (37.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 22 minutes to complete, winding through varied forest and open landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Lembeekbos – Trail in the Lembeek Woods loop from Eeklo, a moderate 40.2 miles (64.6 km) path offering extensive forest riding with some challenging sections.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Lembeekbos – MTB Trail Next to a Fence loop from Eeklo, a 21.0 miles (33.8 km) trail leading through dense woodlands and alongside agricultural fields, often completed in about 2 hours 6 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Het Leen is defined by mixed forests, tranquil ponds, and canal paths, offering a blend of natural beauty and varied surfaces. The network provides options for easy, moderate, and difficult skill levels.
- The routes in Het Leen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from 1 review. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Het Leen's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
19
riders
37.2km
02:19
50m
50m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
19
riders
38.5km
02:23
60m
60m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
riders
45.8km
02:33
110m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
33.5km
01:56
80m
80m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
39.5km
02:13
80m
80m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Het Leen
Tips from the Community
De Lieve is a historic inland waterway canal that was dug between 1251 and 1269 from Ghent to Damme, originally Aardenburg. The period of prosperity is situated in the 13th and 14th centuries. Despite the silting up of the Zwin (early 14th and early 15th centuries), the digging of the Sasse Vaart in the mid-16th century, and the digging of the Ghent - Bruges canal in 1613-1614, it retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the Lieve has been preserved as an open watercourse in sections. The route within the municipality of Damme has been preserved as a wide strip in the landscape. Source: https://www.lievegem.be/de-lieve
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Nice narrow gravel path through an agricultural landscape. Watch out when meeting oncoming traffic. Don't forget to enjoy the landscape that changes color every season.
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Place of contemplation. The stairs invite you to admire the highlight up close.
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The Celie Bridge was destroyed twice, and rebuilt twice. This iron drawbridge, typical of the Schipdonk Canal, rarely rises. Shipping is not possible here, unlike in the past, when there was a loading dock on the Lieve River. (Mijnplatteland.com)
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The rather imposing field cross marks the intersection of the parishes of Oostwinkel, Ursel, and Zomergem, as they were demarcated in the 13th century. The cross's history dates back to the 13th century, when the first attempt was made to transform the natural landscape into a cultivated landscape. This was a very uncertain period, marked by, among other things, turbulent religious wars. It wasn't until around 1500, when many farms lay in ruins, that the transition from field to woodland was restored. The avenues, laid out in a checkerboard pattern, are still clearly recognizable today. (Source: Lievegem.be) Diagonally opposite the cross is an entrance to the small but very charming Berhoutbosje woods.
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Near the Keigatbossen stands a field cross, surrounded by lime trees. It is said to date back to the 13th century, when Bishop Walter de Marvis demarcated the parish boundaries here. Once a resting place for travellers, it is now a landmark in the Drongengoed Landscape Park.
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The Celie Bridge enables the connection between Maldegem and Celie - Sint-Laureins. Celie is an old district on the Lieve in Adegem and Sint-Laureins, already mentioned in the 14th century. Historical explanation: The Schipdonk Canal or the Leie Diversion Canal was dug in the bed of the Lieve. The canal connected the Leie in Deinze with the North Sea in Zeebrugge. As a diversion canal, the canal was mainly intended to limit flooding, but the canal also played an important role as a new trade route between Deinze and Bruges. A first section, from the Leie in Deinze to the Brugse Vaart in Schipdonk in Merendree, was already dug in 1847-49. From Stoktevijver in Zomergem to Maldegem, part of the Leie Diversion Canal was dug in the bed of the Lieve in the period 1854-60. From Maldegem, the canal was dug further parallel to the Leopold Canal to Heist. When the canal was constructed, the old buildings around the Celie Bridge over the Lieve also disappeared. The current Celie Bridge over the Schipdonk Canal is an iron drawbridge, rebuilt after the destruction of the Second World War, according to a design by the Ministry of Public Works from 1947. Source Inventory of Immovable Heritage
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At this highlight you stand in front of the M4A4 Sherman Tank "Clanky". Historical context: On September 15, 1944, Balgerhoeke and subsequently the city of Eeklo were liberated by troops from the 4th Canadian Armoured Division, including The South Alberta Regiment, The Governor General's Foot Guards, and The Lincoln and Welland Regiment. To be precise, it was among others some Sherman tanks from The South Alberta Regiment that were the first to enter the Meetjesland capital, as a harbinger of the impending liberation of the entire region. As a token of gratitude, the Eeklo city council solemnly inaugurated this Sherman Tank in Balgerhoeke as a memorial on November 10, 1990, and this monument was dedicated to all the Canadian units involved. Source: Comité der Vaderlandse Bonden - city of Eeklo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic-free gravel bike trails are available around Het Leen?
There are 11 dedicated traffic-free gravel bike trails around Het Leen, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are designed to keep you away from car traffic, allowing for a more peaceful ride.
Are there any easy, traffic-free gravel routes suitable for beginners near Het Leen?
Yes, there are 5 easy, traffic-free gravel routes available. A great option for beginners is the Ponds of Het Leen – Keigatbos Forest Trail loop from Eeklo. This route offers a pleasant ride through varied terrain, including sections of the Keigatbos Forest.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel trails around Het Leen?
The gravel terrain around Het Leen is quite varied. You'll find a mix of deciduous and pine forests, open agricultural fields, and natural hedgerows. Routes in areas like the Lembeekse Bossen feature winding single tracks, sandy sections, and sometimes challenging roots, often following canal paths and passing by local ponds. While the core of Het Leen itself has restrictions on gravel biking, the surrounding regional network provides extensive unpaved sections.
Are there any challenging traffic-free gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, there is 1 difficult route listed, and several moderate options that can provide a good challenge. For a longer and more demanding ride, consider the Lembeekbos – Trail in the Lembeek Woods loop from Eeklo, which covers over 64 km and features varied terrain within the Lembeekse Bossen.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I might see on these gravel trails?
While riding the regional gravel trails, you'll encounter diverse forests, numerous ponds, and open landscapes. The broader area is known for its ecological value as part of the Natura 2000 network. Although direct gravel biking within Het Leen's arboretum is restricted, the surrounding routes often provide glimpses of the beautiful natural environment, including sections along the Schipdonk Canal and through forests like the Lembeekse Bossen and Keigatbos.
Are the traffic-free gravel routes around Het Leen suitable for families?
Many of the easy and moderate routes are suitable for families, especially those with some gravel biking experience. The focus on traffic-free paths makes them safer for younger riders. The Ponds of Het Leen – Keigatbos Forest Trail loop from Eeklo is a good example of a family-friendly option, offering a manageable distance and interesting scenery.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking around Het Leen?
The region around Het Leen offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with vibrant colors in the forests and comfortable temperatures. The arboretum within Het Leen is known for its impressive displays of Camellia, Magnolia, and Rhododendron, offering vibrant colors in spring. Summer can be great, but be mindful of potential heat. Winter rides are also possible, but some paths might be muddier.
Are there any circular traffic-free gravel routes available?
Yes, all the listed traffic-free gravel routes around Het Leen are designed as loops, bringing you back to your starting point. This makes planning your ride and parking much more convenient. For example, the Lembeekbos – The Gastels Gravel Path loop from Eeklo is a popular circular option.
Where can I park when planning a gravel bike ride around Het Leen?
Het Leen, near Eeklo, offers parking facilities, which can serve as a convenient starting point for exploring the wider regional gravel network. Many of the komoot routes also start and end in Eeklo, where you can find suitable parking options to access the traffic-free trails.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails around Het Leen?
The komoot community rates the gravel biking experience around Het Leen highly, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Riders often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse forest landscapes, and the opportunity to explore the varied terrain of the Meetjesland region, including winding paths and scenic canal sections.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the traffic-free gravel routes?
Het Leen itself has a cafeteria, which can be a convenient stop if your route passes nearby or starts from the domain. Additionally, Eeklo, being a larger town, offers various cafes, pubs, and other amenities where you can refuel before or after your ride. Many routes start and end in or near Eeklo, making access to these facilities easy.
Most popular routes around Het Leen
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