The best cycling routes around Sint-Gillis-Waas

The creek area of Saleghem is more than the sum of its parts. The nature reserve consists of the Grote Saleghemgeul on one side, and the Sint-Jakobsgat and the Kieldrechtse Watergang on the other. This triumvirate of water creeks then flows into the Grote Geule in Kieldrecht. Each separately is beautiful, yes. But together they are magical. The succession of gently sloping banks, grassland and hay, rare birds and colourful flowers, rustling reeds and melancholic willows: it silences a person. It inspires awe for the magic of nature. And everyone can enjoy it – even wheelchair users, because there is a special wheelchair walk around the creek lakes. This is what waasland.be writes... and there is nothing to contradict it.

Here and there in Flanders, places of remembrance have been created in recent years, intended as spots that invite you to pause and reflect on a person you miss. What is characteristic of the place of remembrance that the municipality of Stekene created here in Tragelstraat is that it is specifically aimed at cherishing deceased children. The place originated in consultation with a group of parents who lost their child.

On a plot of almost three hectares, between Brugstraat, Kaaistraat and the railway line, drinks dealer Charles Vydt built an outdoor swimming pool, party hall, and café with terrace in 1936. After WWII, Het Zomerhuis experienced its years of success. For decades, it was a popular destination where many generations of Stekenaars and visitors from far and wide spent their holidays. At the end of the 20th century, Het Zomerhuis fell into disrepair. In 2008, the municipality bought the former recreational domain to give a new tourist impulse to the site. In 2013, the old building was demolished. In the following years, plans for redevelopment were developed. In 2019, the works started and on October 17 and 18, 2020, Park Zomerhuis, with brasserie Het Zomerhuis, officially opened to the public. Shortly thereafter, the surrounding green space, the current park, was laid out. Source: Information panels on site

The former station of Klein-Sinaai was located on line 77, which ran from Sint-Gillis-Waas to Zelzate. In 1974, the Kemzeke - Moerbeke section was dismantled and shortly thereafter converted into an asphalted walking and cycling path, an early example, as recreational cycling was still relatively rare around 1980. In 1981, the former station was converted into the hamlet's post office and from 2011 onwards into a youth center, as is still the case. sources: Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed & Wikipedia

The Sint-Jozefkerk of Nieuw Namen was taken into use in 1860, shortly after the founding of the village. In 1898 the church was expanded, in 1912 a new tower was built, and in 1923 the side aisles were extended. In front of the church is a bronze Sacred Heart statue from around 1920, made by P. de Roeck. source: Wikipedia

The Dambrug bridge dates from the interwar period and was restored and partially renewed around 1945 after war damage. Originally, the bridge was manually operated, but it now has hydraulic operation. Source: Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed

single track that requires concentration

beautiful view over the Polders