The best walks and hikes around Wortegem-Petegem

Golf & Country Club Oudenaarde – Royal setting at the Nieuw Kasteel This is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic vistas in the Scheldevallei. From the surrounding quiet roads, you get a magnificent view of the Nieuw Kasteel (New Castle) of Petegem, built in 1847 and today the stylish clubhouse of the Golf & Country Club Oudenaarde. The castle was built in the 19th century for the Pycke de Peteghem family and still exudes the grandeur of its noble past. Inside, you'll find the golf club's bar, lounges, and restaurant today. The former castle park found a new purpose as a golf domain starting in the 70s. The two 18-hole courses, 'Kasteel' and 'Anker', are beautifully embedded between ancient trees, rolling fairways, and old Schelde meanders. From the public roads around the domain, you can enjoy a particularly picturesque contrast: sharply manicured greens, ancient trees, and the elegant castle towers together form an almost cinematic setting. A touch of royal allure during your walk or bike ride through the Scheldevallei.

Two castles, two stories In Wortegem-Petegem, two historic noble estates lie surprisingly close to each other, but over the years they have been given a completely different purpose. Together they form a beautiful mix of heritage, nature, relaxation, and sport. At Domein de Ghellinck, everything today revolves around peace and nature. The 28-hectare public park is situated around an old Scheldt river arm and is a wonderful place to walk among centuries-old trees and romantic bridges. The original castle disappeared after a fire in 1973, but the restored farmhouse from 1893 was fortunately preserved. Today, you can enjoy a pleasant break on the terrace. A little further on, the Castle of Petegem awaits, which has stood the test of time. The imposing castle from 1847 is now the heart of the Royal Golf Club Oudenaarde. The historic estate has been given a new purpose as a golf park, where the fairways stretch between old trees and the rolling landscape. The golf courses are, of course, reserved for players, but from the public paths in the surroundings, you get beautiful views of the castle and the meticulously maintained greens. Two estates, two completely different stories – but both a delightful discovery during your tour through the Scheldt Valley.

Langemeersen & Abdij van Beaulieu – nature and history in the Scheldt Valley On the border of Wortegem-Petegem and Oudenaarde lies the Langemeersen, a beautiful marsh area in the Scheldt Valley. Here, vast hay meadows, pollarded willows, and flower-rich grasslands go hand in hand with a centuries-old piece of history. From the walking paths, you can enjoy a sweeping view over the marsh landscape, with the rolling hills of the Flemish Ardennes in the background. The area is also an important breeding ground for numerous meadow birds. The lapwing is one of the most striking inhabitants and is therefore the symbol of this special nature reserve. In the middle of this green landscape, a surprising historical relic suddenly appears: the Abdij van Beaulieu. At the end of the 13th century, Count Guy of Flanders bought these lands for his wife Isabella of Namur, who had a women's convent founded there. The idyllic location was given the Latin name Bello Loco, meaning ‘beautiful place’, from which the name Beaulieu later originated. Some historical buildings from the original abbey are still preserved today, including the 17th-century gatehouse and the chaplain's house. A wonderful place where the quiet nature of the Scheldt and ancient history meet.

A long unpaved path, through fields and nature! Very beautiful! 🤩

Gijzelbrechtegem, popularly known as Grijsloke, is one of the highest points in the Leiestreek. Here you can enjoy a beautiful landscape consisting of hills and meadows. Get away from it all for a while. Come to rest for a while. From this special viewing platform, you have a beautiful view of the Flemish Ardennes. If you want a bit more, you can explore nature via the Kleine Kluis hiking trail. This hiking trail leads you through a diverse landscape and balances on the border between West Flanders and East Flanders. You will be amazed by the many memorable vistas. Enjoy! (Information board on site)

Well-trodden country road that varies in width.

Around the church is a rectangular churchyard with a brick wall from 1886, incorporating wayside chapels. On the west side and part of the north side, the churchyard is enclosed by a hedge. Previously, on the north side of the church, there was a path to the presbytery between the enclosure of the churchyard and vegetation. This aspect has now disappeared due to the construction of a car park (left). (Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed)

From the hiking trail, you have a beautiful view of the church of Elsegem.