Walk through Het Leen, a wooded area in the Meetjesland. After a visit to this former military domain, the route heads towards the Lieve and along the Schipdonk Canal.
Distance: 15 km.
Time: 3h45.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: Flat.
Trail: 50% unpaved.
Marking: Walking nodes.
Hiking shoes recommended.
Schipdonk canal.
The walk goes in the direction of the visitor center where you can immediately climb the 21 meter high observation tower. From the tower you have a beautiful view of this 265 hectare forest area. You walk along avenues and paths through the forest. Once you are out of the forest, you continue through a more open landscape in the direction of the Lieve. Before you reach De Lieve you walk a fairly long stretch along a fairly busy road, which is also the most boring part of the route. 't Liefken is an artificial waterway from the 13th century. Then you walk a long stretch next to the Schipdonk Canal. At the Oostwinkel bridge you walk back into Het Leen to reach the starting point via forest paths.
Download PDF for map and nodes to follow
Paths can be very muddy, so make sure you wear waterproof shoes.
Consult the opening hours of the domain because the parking lot will also be closed at that time. Website: Het Leen
POI 1 - Observation tower.
In January 2020, a new observation tower of no less than 21 meters high was built opposite the entrance to the Forest Information Center. From the platform you have a beautiful view of Het Leen.
No additional information.
POI 2 - De Lieve.
De Lieve is also popularly called 't Liefken. This artificial waterway between Ghent and the North Sea, the first of its kind, was dug in the 13th century. For a few centuries, the economic importance of the Lieve was very great for Ghent, including for the busy trade with England.
No additional information.
POI 3 - Schipdonk canal.
The Schipdonk Canal was dug in the 19th century to drain waste water from the flax industry to the North Sea. The canal owes its nickname 'the stinker' to that old malodorous activity, fortunately this is a thing of the past.
No additional information.
