Walk with Jay

02/09/2025

🌳 Mont des Cats, or Katsberg in Flemish, is a region I have posted about before. This time I took the shortest trail, but perhaps the most well-known, La Balade des Katts. It is only 4 km long, but do not let that fool you, as there are plenty of hills along the way. It is ideal for those who are not up for a long hike but still want a little challenge while enjoying this beautiful area.

And it really is beautiful. You can tell by the growing number of hikers. Every time I visit, it feels busier than before. More and more people are rediscovering this gem.

The trail starts right at the abbey. You cannot go inside the abbey itself, but there is a shop where you can buy the abbey cheeses. They also sell beer, although it is no longer brewed on-site. You can also step into the St. Bernard Church. If you look closely, you will notice a fish motif in the staircase just before the entrance. Inside, there is a small visitor center with more information. At the end of this post, you will find the details from the info boards.

Once you leave the starting point, you enter Le Bois de l’Ermitage, where you will come across the Koorse Kapelle (La Chapelle des Fièvres). This small chapel dates back several centuries and was built as a place of prayer for those seeking relief from illness.

After the chapel, the trail continues through forests and past typical Flemish houses. Along the way, you will occasionally enjoy stunning views over the Heuvelland.

If you get hungry or thirsty, do not worry, as there are places to stop along the route. It is best to check online in advance to make sure they are open.

This is a perfect family-friendly hike. It is not too long for those with less stamina but long enough to see some sights and have a few rest stops along the way. Definitely one to try if you’re in the region.

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La Balade des Katts (4.8 km)
https://www.cirkwi.com/fr/circuit/84335-balade-des-katts

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page for more interesting spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

29/08/2025

🌳 Vierves-sur-Viroin is one of the most beautiful villages in Wallonia, set in the valley of the Viroin. The village clings to the hillside and is part of the Viroin-Hermeton Nature Park, a landscape of green valleys, wooded plateaus, and limestone hills. Nearby calcareous grasslands shelter a remarkable variety of plants and animals, giving the area an almost Mediterranean feel.

At the heart of the village stands the Castle of the Counts of Hamal. Over the centuries it was rebuilt several times, yet its elegant classical style still adds a distinctive touch to the setting.

Narrow streets, stone houses, and the church of Saints Rufin and Valère shape the character of the village, while the old washhouse recalls its rural past.

Vierves-sur-Viroin is a place where heritage and nature come together, offering visitors a landscape full of character and charm.

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Vierves-sur-Viroin (BE)

Small walk (1.3km)
https://beauxvillages.be/randonnees/petite-randonnee-vierves-sur-viroin/

Long Walk (16 km)
https://beauxvillages.be/randonnees/grande-randonnee-vierves-sur-viroin-villages-wallonie/

Discover more walks at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
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26/08/2025

🌊 Those who’ve been following me for a while know that one of my goals is to walk the entire stretch of coastline between the Belgian border and the Bay of the Somme, both along the dunes and cliffs as well as right by the waterline.

This time, I headed to La Plage du Mont Saint Frieux, planning to walk towards Sainte-Cécile Plage.

The parking lot at Mont Saint Frieux is quite close to the beach, which means it can fill up quickly by midday. From there, you head straight to the beach and then turn left towards Sainte-Cécile.

Don’t expect dramatic cliffs here. It is more of a flat beach with dunes and reminded me a bit of the Belgian coast, but with more untouched nature. Every now and then, you might spot an old bunker along the dunes.

After this peaceful stretch, you arrive at La Plage de Sainte-Cécile. It is a typical seaside resort, much like tourist spots in Belgium with a few cafés, food stalls, and plenty of people in swimsuits. That is also why I didn’t take any photos. There were too many children around, and I prefer not to photograph them. Do not expect much quiet here, but it is handy if you need a shop or want a drink or a bite to eat.

Once I had seen Sainte-Cécile, I decided to head back to my starting point. The stretch beyond Sainte-Cécile will have to wait for another time. Overall, it is not a bad spot if you are looking for a beach to relax on. If you are after a solid nature hike, there are better options nearby.

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Start + Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hSHELtBqnENkJZ1k9

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you want to find more great spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

22/08/2025

🌳 This summer I set off once again to explore some of the villages that belong to Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie . This time, my journey took me to Lompret – a tiny village tucked into a graceful bend of the river l’Eau Blanche.

The village breathes tranquility: a single street winding its way between river and rock, houses built from pale limestone blending harmoniously together, and above it all the impressive limestone cliffs of the Franc Bois. From a narrow passage between two houses, a steep climb leads you to the remains of an ancient Roman camp. At the top, the reward is a sweeping view over the valley and the village hidden deep in the greenery.

At the heart of Lompret stands the neo-Gothic church of Saint-Nicolas, built in 1879 on the site of the former castle chapel. Together with the traditional limestone farmhouses, it forms a distinctive focal point in the village landscape.

Lompret may be small, but it’s well worth a stop. You’ll even find a spot to grab something to eat or drink, and it’s the perfect place for a walk — whether through the valley or up to the viewpoint above the village.

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Lompret
Small walk (2.1km)
https://beauxvillages.be/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Lompret.pdf

Long walk (13.2km)
https://beauxvillages.be/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LOMPRET_LPBVW-RANDO2023-INT-PRINT.pdf

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you’d like to see more beautiful spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

19/08/2025

🌿 The Kitchener’s Wood Walking Trail had been on my to-do list for quite some time. That day I wanted a short walk not too far from home. The weather forecast wasn’t great, with rain expected in the afternoon, so it seemed like a good chance for a morning walk around Langemark.

The walk starts at the small square by the church in Sint-Juliaan, where there is plenty of parking. The trail is about 6.5 km long and marked with signs featuring an oak leaf, a reference to the old Wijngaard Wood that once stood here. In medieval times, the oak forest provided timber for local coopers. During the First World War it became part of the front line. French troops set up field kitchens there, which earned it the name Bois des Cuisiniers. When the British took over, they mistranslated it as Kitchener’s Wood.

On 22 April 1915 the wood was the site of one of the most symbolic battles for the Canadian troops. Barely two weeks at the front, they launched their first counterattack as a national force after the German gas assault near Ypres. The monument along the trail remembers that dramatic night. Its stones represent the shattered trees, topped with a roughly carved stone with an oak leaf and the words “KITCHENER’S WOOD 22 APRIL 1915.”

Further along, the path passes quiet country lanes, open fields, and several German bunkers or pillboxes, remnants of the Albrecht Line. Even the street names here hint at the past. Bruine Broekstraat, meaning Brown Trousers Street, refers to the muddy, flood-prone ground, while Wijngaardstraat, or Vineyard Street, points to the vines that once grew on the south-facing slopes.

I made a short detour to Minty Farm Commonwealth Cemetery. The cemetery grew around a farm the Germans had turned into a stronghold. It was captured during the Third Battle of Ypres in July 1917 and later used as a British headquarters.

I stayed there a bit too long. By the time I left, the clouds were much darker and it was already noon. The rain was closing in. I quickly packed my camera in my bag to keep it dry and carried on. About twenty minutes later the skies opened. A heavy downpour left me scrambling for cover, but there was nowhere to hide. I spotted some trees in the distance, which turned out to be little more than shrubs. A cyclist had already taken shelter there too, but we quickly realized this wasn’t a short shower. He turned back home while I decided to push on as if running a marathon. I went so fast that I even missed my turn and ended up on the busy Brugseweg. Luckily, there was a carwash where I could finally take cover for half an hour, soaked as if I had just come out of a washing machine. My camera, thankfully, survived. When the rain finally passed, I continued along Brugseweg back to the parking, so I didn’t get any photos of the last stretch.

All in all, the trail was ok. It takes you past a few interesting sights and gives a good sense of the local history, especially the role this area played in the First World War. The walk itself is peaceful, though much of it is on paved roads. It’s a nice route to stretch your legs and explore the wartime past of Sint-Juliaan. One tip: if rain is forecast, bring a jacket, because there aren’t many places to take cover along the way. 🚶

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The Kitchener’s Wood Walking Trail (6.5km)
https://www.langemark-poelkapelle.be/file/download/35dd5d22-ec6c-4fba-bc4a-647a0ac2b172/NtmMmoQe7VcecssmpFRIM5RpvlyElVDOCxShCale503d

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you want to find more great spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

18/08/2025

🚶🌿 Deze week stond mijn blog Walk with Jay en ik in De Krant van West-Vlaanderen ! Vorige week kreeg ik de uitnodiging om bij te dragen aan een artikel over wandelen in de regio West-Vlaanderen — en natuurlijk zei ik ja.

Ze wilden weten hoe Walk with Jay ooit is begonnen, en dit is het verhaal dat daaruit voortkwam.

15/08/2025

🌿 Buysscheure is a small village in the north of the Réserve Naturelle des Étangs du Romelaëre. The border of the French Westhoek runs right through this nature reserve. The area itself is a beautiful and tranquil marshland, formed from old peat extractions, and now a haven for birds, dragonflies, and aquatic plants.

This time, I wanted to explore not just the reserve itself, but also the surrounding region. The walking route normally starts in Buysscheure, but I decided to begin from the nature reserve’s parking lot. Along farm tracks and narrow paths, you wind through a varied landscape: sometimes between rows of trees, other times across wooden bridges over the water. In a few spots, there’s even a hand-operated ferry where you pull yourself across in a small boat.

The peace here is almost tangible. During my entire walk, I only came across one group with a nature guide and two mountain bikers. The village itself was quiet; the local eateries seemed to be on holiday, but there was a public toilet available.

The parking lot I started from also has a public toilet, and there’s a brasserie nearby for anyone who wants a snack or a drink after the walk. From there, it’s easy to explore further into the nature reserve if you feel like discovering more. In Buysscheure itself, there are also two places where you can eat or drink. With Saint-Omer nearby, it’s also convenient for turning it into a full weekend trip.

A perfect route for anyone looking to walk at a relaxed pace while taking in the landscape and enjoying the surrounding nature.

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Du bocage au marais (14km)
https://www.sentiers-en-france.eu/sentiers-nord-59/dunkerque/sentier-du-bocage-au-marais-buysscheure

Parking des étangs du Romelaëre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qnBNoCTnrfyBxVDg9

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
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12/08/2025

🌿 I’ve had this walk on my to-do list for a while, but never really got around to doing it. That morning, I felt like taking a WWI-themed route to create some content for my other page, so it seemed like the perfect moment to finally explore it. What I didn’t expect was just how many significant places I’d discover along the way. For all the history buffs out there, this walk is definitely worth it!

The Hedd Wyn Walk in Langemark follows the footsteps of the Welsh Division and soldier-poet Hedd Wyn. This young Welsh poet, born Ellis Humphrey Evans, was fatally wounded in 1917 during the Battle of Pilkem Ridge, shortly before he was to be awarded the prestigious Eisteddfod poetry prize. His death made him an important symbol of the lost generation of World War I.

The route mainly follows paved roads through open fields, passing memorials and cemeteries. The walk starts at the Welsh National Memorial Park near Hagebos, but since parking is limited there, I recommend starting at Klein Zwaanhof, the visitor center near Yorkshire Trench. It offers more parking and public restrooms, although you might have to deal with the smell from a nearby recycling plant.

Along the way, you will pass several cemeteries including Welsh Cemetery (Caesar’s Nose), No Man’s Cot Cemetery (a small detour), Cement House Cemetery (a small detour), Artillery Wood Cemetery and Dragoon Camp. You will also see memorials such as Le Carrefour des Roses, the Welsh National Memorial Park, the Francis Ledwidge Memorial, the Hedd Wyn Memorial and the Lancaster LL882 Bomber Crew Memorial. You will even come across a German-British bunker called Goumier Farm, though it is not always easy to reach since it is located in the middle of the fields.

But even if you’re less interested in history, the walk takes you along quiet roads with views over Langemark, Poelkapelle and the surrounding area.

If you still have energy after the walk, you can visit the visitor center and explore the nearby Yorkshire Trench. This walk takes you through a landscape where traces of the past are still clearly visible.

I go into more detail about all these locations on my page Traces from the Past. Some posts are already online and the rest will follow soon. This walk is highly recommended for anyone interested in World War I and eager to learn more about this region.

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Hedd Wyn Walk (9.3 km)
https://www.langemark-poelkapelle.be/file/download/a905911c-5bc9-4a77-bbd0-4f9b337db864/vfLzub1ldb467fnzL5TildFngpLAX4x0cPG7cNraqM3d

Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/C5RwcriVKmN4XoQx7

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you want to find more great spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

08/08/2025

🌿 The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe had been on my to-do list for quite some time, but since I rarely find myself in that part of the Netherlands, I had never gotten around to visiting. However, last week I happened to be nearby, so I took the opportunity to finally go and have a look.

This remarkable nature reserve is located in the southwest of Zeeland, near the Belgian border. It’s the largest brackish tidal marshland in Europe, forming a wild and mysterious landscape along the banks of the Western Scheldt.

As a tidal area, it floods twice a day during high tide and then partially dries out at low tide. This constant ebb and flow creates a dynamic landscape.

What makes this area especially fascinating is its history. It was once fertile farmland, home to villages and fields. But in the 16th century, several devastating floods — including the infamous All Saints' Flood of 1570 — struck the region. Later, during the Eighty Years’ War, the land was deliberately flooded as a military tactic. Eventually, the area was lost to the sea for good, giving rise to what is now known as the "drowned" landscape.

Beyond its natural and historical appeal, Saeftinghe also carries an air of mystery. According to the most well-known legend — the Curse of Saeftinghe — the land was swallowed by the sea as divine punishment for the pride and greed of its wealthy inhabitants.

The Drowned Land is worth a visit, especially if you’re already in the area. Don’t expect long hiking trails, but rather a short trek through rough and often wet terrain. If you plan to head into the marshes, be sure to wear waterproof boots, it can get very muddy.

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The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe
Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uuv8a3SBRjhtvjbC6

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you want to find more hidden gems in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

05/08/2025

🌳 Just outside Poperinge lies the quiet village of Proven, a small place often less known than nearby villages like Watou or Abele. Yet Proven has its own special character, which you’ll discover best by walking the Provenade – a marked trail of 9 or 12 kilometres through farmland, hop fields, and the wooded areas of the Canada and Sixtus forests.

The walk starts in the heart of Proven and soon leads past tall hop fields, a signature sight of the Poperinge region. In summer, the towering green vines create a unique and beautiful landscape. From there, the route follows unpaved paths and quiet country roads, passing through small woods and open fields between Proven and Krombeke.

What makes the Provenade stand out is the peaceful atmosphere. The trail is still relatively unknown, so you can enjoy nature and local history in quiet surroundings. In the forested parts – especially the Canada and Bardelen woods, which belong to the larger Sixtus forest – you may spot deer, hear the song of the golden oriole, or notice the impressive nests of red wood ants.

History is never far away here. Along the path, you’ll find the remains of a secret V1 rocket launch site from World War II. Although it was never used, it was part of a network of similar sites built by German forces.

One interesting feature is the Chinese Gate on Canadaweg. Originally part of a wartime hospital in Houtem, it was moved in the 1930s to the De Lovie estate, which today is a care centre. While the Provenade itself doesn’t go through the estate, you can take a short detour via the Hoppeland walking network to visit. The estate includes a 19th-century château and peaceful parkland.

There are two route options: the 9 km trail keeps you mostly in quiet, green surroundings, while the 12 km route includes a stretch along a busier road near the end.

All in all, the Provenade offers a pleasant, peaceful walk through nature, with glimpses of local history and the authentic character of West Flanders.

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De Provenade (9 / 12 km)
https://www.toerismepoperinge.be/Aanbod/wandelen/wandelroutes/provenade

Discover more hikes at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
Follow the page if you want to find even more great spots in West Flanders and Hauts-de-France. 👍

01/08/2025

🥇⛪ To me, Veurne is more than just a pretty place. It’s my birthplace, where I went to school and had one of my very first jobs. And yet, despite that lifelong connection, I had never truly explored every part of the city until I followed the city walking route. What a discovery it turned out to be.

The walk takes you past some of the most fascinating and picturesque spots in town. From charming squares to impressive heritage buildings and peaceful parks, everything is within easy walking distance. Along the way, cosy cafés and restaurants invite you to take a well-deserved break. And if you’re with kids, no problem — there are a few great playgrounds along the route too.

What makes this walk really special is how it brings Veurne’s rich history to life. For centuries, the city played a strategic role in the Westhoek region. In the 17th century, it was fortified under the direction of the famous French military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, commissioned by Louis XIV. You can still see traces of those fortifications, once part of a larger defence network near the French border.

During World War I, Veurne was located just behind the Yser front. It became a key headquarters for King Albert I and the Belgian army. The city was heavily impacted, but later rebuilt with great respect for its historical character. On the walk, you’ll also pass a military cemetery where Belgian, French and Commonwealth soldiers are buried.

The churches of Veurne are absolutely worth visiting. The Church of Saint Walburga is known for its beautiful interior. And the tower of Saint Nicholas Church is free to climb. At the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of Veurne and the surrounding landscape. I arrived just a little too late — the tower closes at 8 PM — but that just gives me a reason to come back.

In short, this city walk shows you the very best of what Veurne has to offer. A perfect mix of history, nature, culture and tranquillity. That’s why I gladly give this route a gold label. Whether you’re planning a trip, reconnecting with a place from your past, or simply enjoy a good walk, this route is more than worth it. 🌿

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Stadswandelroute Veurne (4.8 km)
https://www.visitwestvlaanderen.be/nl/stadswandelroute-veurne

Discover more walks at: bit.ly/WalkwithJay-Hikingroutes
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31/07/2025

My new page, where I explore the stories behind places I come across on walks, just hit 1,000 followers!
Curious about the stories behind these places? Come follow the journey!

Wow, 1,000 followers in less than 100 days. I always had a sense that people were curious about the places I visited, but watching this page grow so fast still feels incredible.

The past few months have been quite a journey. I started this page to dive deeper into the places I’ve encountered over the years while hiking, and also to share what I’ve discovered with others who might be interested. I knew the main story behind it all, but it’s only by looking closer — at the battles, the support lines, and the personal stories — that you really begin to grasp just how big the Great War truly was. It wasn’t just the trenches; its impact spread all the way into homes and communities, and its echoes are still felt today.

Along the way, visiting cemeteries, memorials, and historic sites, I’ve met many wonderful people. Some have even started following this page (and others), which I truly appreciate. The conversations and stories shared during those encounters have been meaningful, and every connection has added to the journey. To everyone who’s sent messages, left comments, shared posts, added information, or simply liked what I share — thank you. Your support not only keeps me motivated, it also helps the page reach more people. The more you like, comment, share, or invite friends, the more Facebook boosts the page’s reach — helping these stories and places find a wider audience and keep their memory alive.

As a content creator, I’m committed to doing my best — capturing good photos and crafting content that’s interesting and meaningful for those who follow along and respectfully share the stories of everyone involved — from every side of the trenches and every background.

The list of places I’ve visited, and those still to explore, keeps growing so fast it’s hard to keep up. Over the past three months, I’ve gathered enough material to cover well over a year’s worth of content, and with more than 1,500 sites still waiting to be discovered — and the number is still rising — the journey is far from over.

This is really just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where it leads. If you enjoy what you see here, please keep engaging, invite others who might be interested, and help spread these stories far and wide. Together, we can use social media as a powerful tool — not just to connect, but to uncover, remember, and honor the past in ways that truly matter.

Thank you all for being part of this. Let’s keep exploring, sharing, and discovering.

Greetings,
Jay