Ypres – Best of the Westhoek

Ypres is synonymous with the horrors of WWI, but in medieval times it was briefly the third-largest city in Flanders. VOS Travel has mapped out four day rides from a central Ypres hotel, within walking distance of the Grote Markt, to show riders both the town and the southern Westhoek.

Routes head north across open, flat land along the River IJzer to Diksmuide, and separately through wooded country near Westvleteren Abbey to the art-and-poetry village of Watou, with the option of a detour into French Flanders en route to Poperinge. A third ride takes in major WWI sites, including Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, Hill 60 and mine craters, finishing in Kemmel. The final ride explores the hillier landscape south of Ypres, with views into France, passing Mesen (Flanders' smallest town) and the villages of Dranouter, Loker and Westouter, plus vineyards along the way.

Highlights:

• Ride the flat IJzer river valley from Ypres to Diksmuide
• Wooded route to Westvleteren Abbey and the art village of Watou
• Visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, Hill 60 and WWI mine craters
• Cycle the hilly countryside south of Ypres with views into France
• Pass through Mesen, Flanders' smallest town, plus Dranouter, Loker and Westouter
• Vineyard visits with tasting options along the southern route

Surface and terrain: Rated Level 1 (easiest). Terrain varies from flat river valley riding to hillier country south of Ypres.

Suitable for:
Recreational cyclists interested in WWI history and varied Westhoek scenery, wanting an easy base-stay rather than a demanding tour.