The best cycling routes around Sint-Martens-Latem

The idyllic Astene Sas is a protected village view and a wonderful place to stop for a while. Babbling water, historic ships, the authentic lock house and one of the last manually operated bascule bridges in Flanders provide a particularly atmospheric setting here. The lock originated in 1860 to avoid a significant detour in the Leie. Cargo ships used to take a whole eight hours to navigate the winding meander between Astene and Bachte. A new, perfectly straight cut of barely 300 meters changed that. The characteristic green-iron bascule bridge dates from 1896 and is still operated by hand during the sailing season. If a boat approaches, you have to wait a moment until the bridge is lifted using pure muscle power. A beautiful piece of living heritage! Literature lovers will also get their money's worth here. The whitewashed lock keeper's house today houses 't Oud Sashuis, a cozy brown café. It is also the birthplace of the mother of Hugo Claus, who spent part of his childhood here. A place where water, heritage and stories come together – ideal for a short break during your cycling or walking tour.

The Drongenplein is the heart of the old village center of Drongen. The design of the Drongenplein with its pollarded lime trees and footpaths is full of nods to the past. The corten steel fencing shows the boundaries of the churchyard that was located here until the 19th century. The paths follow a route that is still visible on old city maps, and the curved bench at the war memorial is a reference to the meandering Leie.

The De Assels nature reserve is part of the Levende Leie Nature Park, an extensive valley from Deinze to Ghent where nature is central. The meandering Leie forms the connecting axis between the different parts. The Meersen area is a small island between Drongen and Afsnee. The Old Leie winds through the landscape of the Assels. The grasslands are interwoven with ditches.

For those wondering why there was never a wider bridge to connect Assel to the civilized world: this 1927 four-part bridge is a protected monument and was restored quite recently. It therefore remains millimeter work for trucks that need to get to the other side. The name Pontbrug points to a further past when there was only a pontoon or ferry service here.

Porta Arboreti; monumental entrance gate and former dovecote belonging to and once forming access to the Ooidonk castle domain, which originates in the 14th century.

It's very quiet to cycle there.

On the banks of the Leie River, in the heart of picturesque Afsnee, stands St. John the Baptist Church—a historic gem with roots dating back to the 10th century. The church has a Romanesque core from the 12th century and has been renovated and restored several times over the centuries, while retaining its character. Constructed of Tournai limestone, the building features a striking crossing tower and basilica-style nave, giving it a robust yet serene appearance. Inside, you'll find a baptismal font from 1601, a wooden statue of Christ from around 1700, and a beautiful stained-glass window depicting the baptism of Christ. The walled cemetery contains the gravestones of famous Ghent figures, including Count De Hemptinne and painter Karel De Bondt. I've included the dates.

Free ferry to Drongen-Baarle. The Baarleveer can carry fourteen pedestrians or seven cyclists at a time. It is also wheelchair accessible. The ferry operates during peak season (Easter holidays and May-September) from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or until sunset if it falls before 7:00 PM); on weekends from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (even if sunset is not before 7:00 PM). Please note: from October to April, the ferry only operates on weekends and public holidays, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or until sunset if it falls before 7:00 PM).