The best MTB trails around Spiere-Helkijn

The belfry of Tournai is the oldest in Belgium (12th century). The building, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage, is 72 meters high and dominates the Grand-Place. During the ascent of the tower with its 257 steps, one discovers various didactic exhibitions, the prison, the carillonneur's room, and finally the bells which ring every Sunday during the summer (around 3:30 PM). The belfry of Tournai, built in 1192, symbolizes municipal freedoms. Its bell (the “Bancloque”) was used to warn the population of trials, executions, invasions, fires, etc. The belfry served as a watchtower, prison, bell tower, and town hall. You have access to the first terrace, which offers a breathtaking view of Tournai and its surroundings. source: visitwapi.be

The bridge itself isn't much. There are actually two of the same type just a few hundred meters apart. Both cross the Gaverbeek stream, which runs parallel to the Trimaarzate, the green walking and cycling route on the old Ronse-Kortrijk railway line. The bridges allow you to walk through the grass on the other side of the Gaverbeek (although not yet designated as a walking path on Komoot, it is certainly easily walkable) instead of on the paved Trimaarzate.

The Kooigembospad winds from Kooigem to the Trimaarzate (the Green Axis that runs from Avelgem to Spiere on the bed of the former Kortrijk-Ronse railway line). As the name suggests, the path leads to the slightly higher Kooigembos, but narrowly misses it. The forest itself is not open to the public.

A path that runs along the walled farm.

The mill is now open to the public. If you see the blue flag flying, you can enter. You can also arrange a visit by emailing gavers@west-vlaanderen.be or calling 056 23 40 10.

The Koutermolen is a wooden post mill that stood from the early 19th century until 1982, about 300 meters from its current location. Fate struck twice: in 1892, the mill burned down completely, and in 1917, the Germans demolished the newly constructed mill to build an airfield. After the First World War, the Deerlijk State Mill was moved to the site of the Koutermolen. In 1948, the mill stopped operating and fell into disrepair. The Province of West Flanders purchased it in 1978 for the symbolic sum of one franc with the aim of restoring it and transferring it to the De Gavers Provincial Estate. It was fully restored according to the building plan of the old Koutermolen. The restored Koutermolen was inaugurated on September 19, 1987. Thirty years later, a thorough renovation of the outer shell was again necessary. The mill was fully restored in 2021. The mill was officially opened in April 2022 and stands proudly on its 7-meter-high mound, a guardian of the estate. Source: westvlaanderen.be

Relax in nature

stunning