The best cycling routes around Waarschoot

De Lieve is a historic inland waterway canal that was dug between 1251 and 1269 from Ghent to Damme, originally Aardenburg. The period of prosperity is situated in the 13th and 14th centuries. Despite the silting up of the Zwin (early 14th and early 15th centuries), the digging of the Sasse Vaart in the mid-16th century, and the digging of the Ghent - Bruges canal in 1613-1614, it retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the Lieve has been preserved as an open watercourse in sections. The route within the municipality of Damme has been preserved as a wide strip in the landscape. Source: https://www.lievegem.be/de-lieve

Place of contemplation. The stairs invite you to admire the highlight up close.

Over the centuries, the people of Ghent remain true to their reputation as stubborn rebels. They even rise up against their own prince, Emperor Charles V. However, this goes one step too far: the people of Ghent are publicly humiliated, and the Roland Bell – a symbol of Ghent's independence – is removed from the Belfry. The once powerful city-state is brought to its knees, both figuratively and literally. Economically, things also gradually worsen. The city loses its access to the sea, and the population halves. It is only in the second half of the 18th century that an economic upswing occurs. Under Dutch leadership, Ghent gets its own university in 1816. As a reminder of this, a statue of King William I, founder of the university, was erected on De Reep. Ten years later, the city becomes a seaport again with the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. Source: https://visit.gent.be/de/wissenswertes/praktische-auskuenfte/warum-gent/gent-im-laufe-der-jahrhunderte

The history of Ghent begins in the year 630, when Saint Amandus decides to build an abbey at the confluence (or 'Ganda') of the rivers Leie and Scheldt. Almost 1400 years of history are still omnipresent in the city today: a medieval castle in a moat, an imposing cathedral, a belfry, three beguinages,… You will not find such a high density of history per square meter anywhere else as in the historic district of Ghent! From 1000 to approx. 1550, Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europe. Ghent was larger than London and only had Paris 'above' it. The 60,000 inhabitants the city had in the 14th century vehemently defended their rights: the counts and princes had to experience firsthand that the proud and rebellious Ghent citizen does not give up his acquired privileges and freedoms without a fight. Until the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, the city was ruled by a few wealthy merchant families. As they generally preferred the French king to the Count of Flanders, they were given the derogatory nickname 'Leliaerts' by the people, derived from the lily (NL: lelie) on the French coat of arms. In the course of the increasing political power of the craftsmen and guilds in the 14th century, Ghent gained a more democratic leadership. As England blocked the import of raw materials for the vital textile industry, Ghent, during the Hundred Years' War (out of necessity), sided with England (1338-1345). The wealthy cloth merchant Jacob van Artevelde led the resistance against Count Louis of Nevers, a vassal of the French king. In 1345, the 'wise man' was murdered by his fellow citizens. His great significance is evident from the fact that Ghent is still referred to as 'Artevelde City' today. Ghent had to give up its alliance with England and recognize the King of France. In 1407, the seat of the Council of Flanders, the highest judicial body of the county, moved from Bruges to the Count's Castle. Dutch became the lingua franca. Source: https://visit.gent.be/de/wissenswertes/praktische-auskuenfte/warum-gent/gent-im-laufe-der-jahrhunderte

The two canals that intersect here (near Merendree and Zomergem, not Sint-Joris, as initially mentioned here) are the Ghent-Bruges Canal and the Schipdonk Canal. This point is known as the Schipdonk Lock.

Beautiful bike ride, well-prepared paths, not busy

The rather imposing field cross marks the intersection of the parishes of Oostwinkel, Ursel, and Zomergem, as they were demarcated in the 13th century. The cross's history dates back to the 13th century, when the first attempt was made to transform the natural landscape into a cultivated landscape. This was a very uncertain period, marked by, among other things, turbulent religious wars. It wasn't until around 1500, when many farms lay in ruins, that the transition from field to woodland was restored. The avenues, laid out in a checkerboard pattern, are still clearly recognizable today. (Source: Lievegem.be) Diagonally opposite the cross is an entrance to the small but very charming Berhoutbosje woods.

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.