The best cycling routes around Sint-Martens-Latem

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.

Check the ferry schedule in advance: - During May, June, July, August, and September, and the Easter holidays: 7 days a week - from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or until sunset on shorter days of the year). - From October to April (excluding the Easter holidays) only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: same hours as above. The landing stage for one of these ferries is located along Dijkweg in Afsnee, near the St. John the Baptist Church on the right bank. A crossing is definitely worth the effort, as not only the Afsnee church but also the rectory and the village itself are protected gems. Further on, towards Sint-Denijs-Westrem and Sint-Martens-Latem, there are numerous hiking and cycling opportunities.

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 dating from the 12th century and has been renovated and restored several times over the centuries, while preserving 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 dating 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.

Beautiful view to relax.

Beautiful view of the Leie River with the marina in Deurle. You can stop here for a drink (especially during the summer months).

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).

The connection between Leernsesteenweg and the municipality of Deurle, located south of the Leie River, was constructed when the Leie Bridge was moved slightly further north. The current Van Crombrugghe Bridge over the Leie dates from 1931. The previous, similar iron bridge was destroyed during the First World War. It was not built until 1912. Before that time, there was a wooden drawbridge with an accompanying bridge-turner's house (still standing today: Leiehoek number 3), built in 1856 at the initiative of the lords of the castles of Deurle and Vosselare. This bridge replaced the ferry that must have existed here very early on Veerstraat, the so-called "Veer ter Ponten" (Veer ter Ponten). The current bridge, with a beautiful view of the Leie, is named after the family that owns and lives in the castle of the same name in Leerne and provided the mayors of Sint-Martens-Leerne for more than a century and a half. Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).