The best MTB trails around Poperinge

Nice descent/climb, stones here and there.

St. Eligius Church: a church with scars ⛪ The St. Eligius Church in Westouter has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. The striking Romanesque octagonal east tower largely survived the devastation of the First World War. The bricked-up arch at the bottom still reveals the origin of the former basilica church. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1922-1923 to a design by Jules Coomans, in the typical yellow polder brick. Around the church lie the Westouter British Cemetery and an impressive bluestone war memorial. A place where centuries of history and the scars of the Great War meet.

St. Eligius Church of Westouter: a church that remained standing ⛪ The St. Eligius Church of Westouter appears at first glance to be a neo-Gothic church, but a closer look reveals a much older story. The octagonal Romanesque east tower largely survived the destruction of the First World War. The bricked-up arch at the bottom still recalls the medieval cruciform church. After the war, the church was rebuilt in 1922-1923 to a design by Jules Coomans, with the typical yellow polder brick. This was not superfluous luxury, as the church had already experienced setbacks: in 1794, a fire destroyed the building, after which it was extended in the early 19th century. Even today, the war is still palpable here. The Westouter British Cemetery lies around the church, and in front of the church stands an impressive bluestone war memorial. A place where centuries of history and the scars of the Great War meet beautifully.

From Belgian WWI rest zone to Trappist pickup point Today, cyclists and beer lovers come here to pick up their reserved crate of Westvleteren. More than a hundred years ago, this was a very different place. At the end of 1917, the area around St. Sixtus Abbey was set up as a Belgian rest zone. Soldiers could catch their breath here after their deployment at the front. Initially, the monks feared that the Belgian troops would cause nuisance, but that concern proved unfounded. The soldiers behaved exemplarily and helped the abbey where needed. A British officer described the place as an “oasis of rest and peace in the middle of the war desert.” Today, that peace still reigns here, only with a very different mission: no soldiers resting, but cyclists picking up their crate of Blond, 8 or 12. 🍺 Tip: picking up your Westvleteren here? Then take a look at the information board. You are standing in a place where war history and Trappist beer come together beautifully today.

A bit steep, all what you need to waken up the muscles during an active walk.

A fairytale discovery! Deeply hidden among the rhododendrons and old trees of Kasteeldomein De Lovie, you'll suddenly stumble upon this magnificent historic garden pavilion. With its classic columns and unique domed roof, this memorable 'gloriette' looks like it's straight out of a romantic picture book. The ultimate secret tip to slow down and admire during your bike tour!

St. Sixtus Abbey & In de Vrede: Trappist beer with a touch of mystery 🍻 A bike tour through the Westhoek is not complete without a stop at the St. Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren. The brewery itself remains closed to visitors, but the abbey walls and the information center Het Claustrum offer a beautiful glimpse into the lives of the monks and the rich history of this special place. Right next to the abbey, you'll find In de Vrede, the meeting center where you can enjoy a Westvleteren Blond, 8, or 12, accompanied by a snack on the terrace. In the abbey shop, depending on availability, you can also purchase Trappist beer and official glasses. A delightful stop where tranquility, history, and an authentic West Flemish beer moment come together!

The summit of the slope lies between the Rodeberg and the Vidaigneberg. Near the summit stands the Lijstermolen (Listers Mill). A chairlift runs between the Baneberg and the Vidaigneberg, gliding over the saddle valley between the two "mountains" and the vineyards of the Entre-Deux-Monts, offering panoramic views of northern France and the Belgian coastal plain. The summit is 140 meters high. The name comes from the Bane family, who owned the mountain in the 13th and 14th centuries. The slope is also sometimes called Gildestraat (Gilde Street). https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baneberg