The best cycling routes in Vallei Van De Zeverenbeek

exciting moment if you are lucky enough that a train passes by just then

Only cycle path so watch out for oncoming traffic, the slope of the bridge is perfect

Convenient connection across the Leie with a dedicated cycle path on the bridge - great for cycling!

The Poekebeek, which originates in Tielt and flows through Ruiselede, Poeke (naturally!), Lotenhulle, Vinkt, and here on the border of Poesele and Meigem, was part of the former headwaters of the Durme River. It has a catchment area of approximately 11,000 hectares and flows into the Schipdonk Canal. Before this canal existed, the Poekebeek flowed further north via Landegem and Merendree to Vinderhoute, in what is now called the Oude Kale, and then on via Evergem, Lokeren, and Waasmunster to Hamme, where it flowed into the Scheldt as the Durme River. Source: Wikipedia

At the monument, the current city poet Jana Arns (although not a resident of Deinze, but of Moerbeke) wrote a rather raw poem, in which she plays with double meanings in her own unique way.

In May 1940, the "Battle of Vinkt" took place, one of the most horrific episodes of the Belgian army's 18-day campaign against the German invaders. During the early days of World War II, many people had fled from the major cities to the countryside. The Belgian army was positioned behind the Lys River and the Schipdonk Canal, where it attempted to halt the German advance. On the Lys front, the Ardennes Hunters (Jagers Ardenne) effectively halted the German advance, but this had serious consequences for Vinkt. On Friday, May 24, 1940, the front line had shifted to the area around the Schipdonk Canal. German soldiers had built two pontoons across the canal, which were targeted by Belgian artillery. On Saturday, May 25, 1940, the villages of Vinkt and Meigem came under fire. German soldiers captured Meigem, but Vinkt remained in the hands of the Ardennes Hunters (Jagers Ardenne) of the Belgian army. As a result of the grenade bombardments that day, sixteen civilians in Meigem were killed. Despite several attempts, the German infantry were unable to capture Vinkt. "Since the Germans were trapped and rumors circulated about civilians shooting at German soldiers, the civilian population bore the brunt. On May 27, 1940, they began shooting civilians in the middle of the street. Refugees were rounded up and murdered after being forced to dig their own graves. Vinkt citizens, including women, the elderly, and children, were dragged from their homes, tortured, and murdered." A large memorial commemorates these events stands in the Vinkt cemetery. The phrase "What man is capable of," which appears in various places (including on paving stones), is an expression of outrage that every passerby/visitor will undoubtedly share. In the space of a few days, 140 civilians were killed in Vinkt and Meigem. Of these, 86 people were executed, and 27 civilians died in the church of Meigem. As a memorial to the many civilian deaths and the fallen Ardennes Hunters, a war memorial was erected near St. Bartholomew's Church in 1968, inaugurated on May 26, 1968. An annual commemoration ceremony is held there. The memorial is only a few meters from the execution site and stands at the spot where the victims were dumped in a mass grave. Later, the victims were exhumed and laid to rest in the honorary plot. Source: Heritage Inventory

The oldest parts of the current St. Bartholomew's Church date back to the early 17th century, but a small hall church likely existed as early as the 11th or 12th century. A square east tower was built in the 13th or 14th century. A choir and sacristy were added in the 15th century. In 1615, the church collapsed and was rebuilt starting in 1620. A transept was added in 1625, and around 1664 (see the chronogram in the tower's gable stone, "Praise be to Jesus Christ," aMen), a western bay and a west tower were constructed. The spire was erected in 1782, and in 1783, a south aisle and a baptistery were built, designed by Frans Drieghe. In 1918, the tower was blown up by the retreating Germans. The church was restored in 1923-1924, including the addition of a lower tower. War damage also occurred in May 1940. The church was restored again in 2019. Source: Wikipedia

Meersgat is one of four places in the valley area where you can cross the Oude Kale. You will also find a resting bench here.