Wingene, Hertsberge and Aalter

The Blekkerbos forest in Maria-Aalter made headlines in early 2012 when the body from the Wingene castle murders was found there. Lord of the castle, Stijn Saelens, disappeared, and his body was identified in the woods. However, the forest is not grim. The large woodland complex consists mainly of oak and beech trees. In autumn, you can look for sweet chestnuts, as there are also some stately specimens of this species on the grounds. At the edges of the forest, there is more light because the trees are more widely spaced. Here, heather and purple moor grass grow, and at the edges of parceled plots, the leaves of grasses sway in the wind. During this bike tour, you'll pass Poeke Castle, located in the village of the same name. The moated building is accessible via two bridges. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is certain that a castle already stood on the site of the castle in 1139. The castle has been the setting for five television programs. 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.