The best running trails around Sint-Martens-Latem

Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.

Tucked away in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, near the Parkbos, lies the charming Borluut Castle. This neoclassical castle, surrounded by a stately park and a lime tree avenue, exudes history and tranquility. Once a summer residence for the noble Borluut d'Hoogstraete family, it is now a protected monument with a cultural function. The surrounding area invites a short detour: stroll along the old avenues, admire the architecture, and enjoy the tranquility that reigns here, despite its proximity to the city of Ghent. The castle is regularly used for artistic and social activities, but even without events, it offers a charming place to pause for a moment.

The Parkbos is a vast nature reserve of over 1,200 hectares between Ghent, De Pinte, and Sint-Martens-Latem. Here you can walk through a mosaic of ancient forests, open grasslands, marshlands with boardwalks, and stately castles with long avenues. The atmosphere is both peaceful and surprising: grazing donkeys in Scheldevelde, a food forest in Zwijnaarde, and winding paths that reveal a constantly changing landscape. Whether you come to jog, cycle, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, the Parkbos offers something for everyone. The old railway bed forms a safe and green corridor through the area, ideal for a relaxing family outing. Also explore the Parkbos Valley of the Rosdambeek, where water, forest, and open space converge in a picturesque setting.

From here to the ferry in Baarle, you can follow the banks of the Leie along the Warmoezenierspad. In the other direction, the path leads to Pijkenaas, where you'll pass the villa of the same name, one of the earliest country estates (dating from 1913) in the regionalist villa style on the banks of the Leie, in other words, a kind of precursor to the numerous opulent villas that now line the banks of the Leie.

The parish church of Saint-Martin in Sint-Latem, built in 1774, has a three-aisled nave, a square tower with an octagonal spire, and houses works such as an organ from 1782 and stained glass windows by Harold Van de Perre, while being a stop on the Saint Martin of Tours Way

the wooden Latemse Koutermolen or Sint-Baafsmolen was first mentioned in 1373, as a possession of the Sint-Baafsabdij in Ghent. the original mill was replaced in 1614 by the current mill and it continued to operate until 1955. In 1977 the mill was completely dismantled, restored and part of it was moved to catch more wind.

The bronze statue ‘Mother Earth I’ by Kortrijk artist Ann Deman has been sensually situated on the banks of the Latemse Leie for over 12 years. It symbolises motherhood, fertility and connection with the earth. Earlier this year, it was removed for restoration because it was frequently climbed on, which left its mark. The municipality is now going to purchase the work of art for 134,000 euros. “The statue has now become part of the place, widely known and a clear marker on the site,” says alderman Pieter Vanderheyden (Welfare).

Pause here to enjoy the view of the Leie. The river Leie (also called Lys in French) is one of the most important rivers in West Flanders and East Flanders, winding its way through the Flemish countryside from Lille in France to Ghent in Belgium.