The Bethoosterse Broeken walk explores two completely different landscapes in the vicinity of Esen (Diksmuide). You first walk in the higher area, south of Esen, where you have beautiful panoramas over the Westhoek. Halfway through the route you arrive in the Bethoosterse Broeken, a side valley of the Yser plain. You walk along the Handzamevaart, among other things. The area consists of low-lying meadows and hay meadows and is home to a unique fauna and flora.
Bethoosterse Broeken
Distance: 9.2 km
Duration: 2h15
Grade: Easy
Gps track: Yes
Route description: No
Type: Circular
Height gain: Flat
Way mark: Hexagonal signs with green inscription
Wheelchair: Not suitable
Dog: Allowed on leach
The walking route first heads south in the direction of the Hoge Kam, the highest point of Esen. Here you have a beautiful view of the area: the Yser valley, the Handzame valley and in the distance the Heuvelland. The route then descends through the Bethoosterse Broeken in the direction of Handzamevaart to the hamlet of Einsdijk. In the Middle Ages, there was a harbor here from where goods were shipped. Now there is nothing more to be seen of it. Then it continues on the grass path along the Handzamevaart. From the canal you walk back to the starting point. Another fun fact: Beth means 'further' and Broeken are 'floodable polders'. Bethoosterse Broeken are therefore the floodable polders in the most distant part east of the Yser plain.
Paved and unpaved.
There is a picnic table at the first bridge over the Handzamevaart.
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https://trailexplorer.eu/en/belgium/west-flanders/west-flanders-walks/2127-bethoosterse-broeken.html#sigProId27ee7c6c66