The best road cycling routes around Deinze

The idyllic Astene Sas is a protected village view and a wonderful place to stop for a while. Babbling water, historic ships, the authentic lock house and one of the last manually operated bascule bridges in Flanders provide a particularly atmospheric setting here. The lock originated in 1860 to avoid a significant detour in the Leie. Cargo ships used to take a whole eight hours to navigate the winding meander between Astene and Bachte. A new, perfectly straight cut of barely 300 meters changed that. The characteristic green-iron bascule bridge dates from 1896 and is still operated by hand during the sailing season. If a boat approaches, you have to wait a moment until the bridge is lifted using pure muscle power. A beautiful piece of living heritage! Literature lovers will also get their money's worth here. The whitewashed lock keeper's house today houses 't Oud Sashuis, a cozy brown café. It is also the birthplace of the mother of Hugo Claus, who spent part of his childhood here. A place where water, heritage and stories come together – ideal for a short break during your cycling or walking tour.

From the unpaved Maaiegemdijk, you get a beautiful view of a cut-off historical meander of the Leie river. Overhanging weeping willows, calm water, and the perfect reflection make this a delightful spot for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. But behind this idyllic spot also lies a special piece of history. Between 1950 and 1970, the meandering Leie was straightened in several places to allow larger ships to pass. This bend was thereby cut off from the main river. Thanks to local nature lovers and activists, the meander was fortunately preserved and escaped being filled in. Furthermore, for centuries the Leie was the heart of the flax industry. Retting flax gave the water a typical color, and the river grew into the well-known 'Golden River'. The tranquility, the water, and the special light also made the surroundings popular with artists from the Latem School. They found ample inspiration here in the mysterious landscape of the Maaiegem marshes. A place where nature, history, and art come together beautifully – and where you naturally linger a little longer.

The Lieve is a historic inland waterway that was dug between 1251 and 1269 to connect Ghent with Damme (originally Aardenburg). The canal experienced its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries. Even when the Zwin began to silt up in the 14th and 15th centuries, and later new waterways were built — such as the Sasse Vaart in the 16th century and the Ghent-Bruges Canal in 1613-1614 — the Lieve retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. Today, parts of the Lieve are still visible. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the canal still exists in some places as an open watercourse. In the municipality of Damme, the route is mainly recognizable as a wide strip in the landscape.

No busy roads, where peace and beautiful landscapes prevail…👌👍

On the banks of the Leie River, in the heart of picturesque Afsnee, stands St. John the Baptist Church—a historic gem with roots dating back to the 10th century. The church has a Romanesque core from the 12th century and has been renovated and restored several times over the centuries, while retaining its character. Constructed of Tournai limestone, the building features a striking crossing tower and basilica-style nave, giving it a robust yet serene appearance. Inside, you'll find a baptismal font from 1601, a wooden statue of Christ from around 1700, and a beautiful stained-glass window depicting the baptism of Christ. The walled cemetery contains the gravestones of famous Ghent figures, including Count De Hemptinne and painter Karel De Bondt. I've included the dates.

Monument along a cool road

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

The Schipdonk Canal meanders for 56 kilometers from Deinze to Heist, where it flows into the North Sea. The canal serves as both an economic and a natural connection, forming the dividing line between the Meetjesland region, the Leie region, and the sea. The canal's construction in the nineteenth century was one of the first major infrastructure projects in the young Belgium. The canal played a strategic role during both the First and Second World Wars, serving as a key component of the military defenses. Today, it's especially enjoyable (and sometimes challenging) cycling!