The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

MaRf is the artist name of Freddy De Vos (born 1951), a sculptor and ceramic artist. He has participated in numerous socio-cultural projects, such as the "Monument for the Disappeared" (commissioned by Amnesty International) at Gravensteen Castle and the permanent poetry route in Ghent. He is an active member of the H(onest)A(rts)M(ovement). His work can be seen in various locations in Ghent, including "Ode to the Runner" (the Flanders Sports Hall at the Watersportbaan), "The Sun Painter" (at the ferry in Baarle-Drongen), and the bronze tactile model (of and for) Saint Bavo's Cathedral. His works incorporate poetry by Benno Barnard, Patricia Lasoen, Gwij Mandelinck, Willie Verhegghe, and (as seen here) Roel Richelieu Van Londersele. Source: Wikipedia

This 18th-century country house was then called "Opperhof" or also "jonckershof." In 1903, it came into the possession of the Jesuits, who converted it into a country residence, a "campagne." The country house was then expanded with a chapel, a refectory, a recreation room, and two dormitories. In 1973, the municipality of Drongen purchased this estate. In 1977, after Drongen was merged with Ghent, it became part of Ghent's heritage. Today, De Campagne is used for cultural and recreational purposes. The beautiful English-style park is freely accessible to the public. A petting zoo has been housed in the stables. Source: information board on site

The Vinderhoutse Bossen, like the Parkbos, the Gentbrugse Meersen, the Wonderwoud, and the Bourgoyen - Ossemeersen - Blaarmeersen - Sneppemeersen area, is considered one of Ghent's five green hubs. It is still in full development. A total of approximately 155 hectares of additional forest have been and are being planted in various phases. The entire project area covers over 640 hectares across the territories of Ghent (the municipalities of Mariakerke and Drongen) and Lievegem (the municipality of Vinderhoute). The Vinderhoutse Bossen green hub has three gateways that serve as starting points for your visit: the Campagne (Drongen), Claeys-Boúúaert Park (Mariakerke), and Leeuwenhof (Drongen, here). These three gateways are connected by a walking network. Source: natuurenbos.be

From Beekstraat, you can walk along a gravel path past the moated farm 'Rijckhof' to the Lieve River. The landscape teeters between open meadow and forest. Once you cross the Lieve, you enter the Vinderhout woods, where the gravel gives way to an unpaved forest path.

The Rijckhof now houses Kunstavontuur, an organization that organizes art classes and camps for children. See: kunstavontuur.com

This moated farm, Rijckhof, is also sometimes called "Oostgavere." The house probably dates from the second half of the 18th century. Note the window shutters: they have a heart-shaped light opening. The stable with a large gate leaning to the left of the house dates from 1931. The dovecote in the orchard also dates from the same year. The dovecote is located on the floor above the stable and later served as a hayloft. A small bakehouse has been added behind the house. Source: Heritage Inventory

Sometimes you stumble upon a spot with something refreshing at just the right moment: Maison Sucrée is a nearly hidden shop that mainly sells chocolate (and wine and gifts), but—and this is what lured me in at 25°C—also ice cream (magnums and jars). Note: only open on: Wednesday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.maisonsucree.be

Leeuwenhof is a former sand extraction pond along the Ringvaart canal in Drongen, just west of the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve. You can see the pond from the bridge between Mariakerke and Drongen-Vinderhoute. You can observe birds from behind a viewing wall. Because the area is too small, most of it is not accessible. However, there is a walking path to the viewing wall, where you can look out over the pond. You can reach the viewing wall from Leeuwenhof 45, Drongen. There is also a walking loop along the area. Leeuwenhof is part of the Levende Leie Nature Park, which stretches from Ghent to Deinze. Want to know more and support us? More info: levenleie.be Source: Natuurpunt.be