Wingene, Hertsberge and Aalter

The Blekkerbos in Maria-Aalter made the news in early 2012 when the body of the Wingene castle murder was found here. Lord of the castle Stijn Saelens disappeared and his body was identified in the forest. However, the forest is not gruesome. The large forest complex consists mainly of oak trees and beech trees. In the autumn you can look for sweet chestnuts, because there are also some stately specimens of this species on the grounds. More light falls on the edges of the forest because the trees are a bit further apart here. Here you will find heather and moor grass, on the edge of parcelled plots where the leaves of grass blades wave in the wind. During this bike ride you will pass the castle of Poeke, which is located in the village of the same name. The moated building is accessible via two bridges. It is unknown exactly when the complex was built, but it is certain that there was already a castle on the site of the castle in 1139. The castle has been the setting for a television programme five times. The first time was in 1991 for the BRT series De Bossen van Vlaanderen, the last time it was used for the recordings of Parade\\\'s End.