Between Zottegem and Merelbeke

This round north of Zottegem with its hilly surroundings is the annual setting for Flemish cycling races such as GP Stad Zottegem, the Three Days of De Panne and the Tour of Flanders. It is also famous for its beer. At the beginning of the 20th century, Zottegem had a dozen breweries. The oldest and smallest is Crombé Brewery. The city's regional beer, Oud Zottegemse, is brewed here. You cycle to Breivelde Castle, which is surrounded by the Breivelde Domain, a 14 hectare park. The park is adorned with many water features and numerous native and exotic tree species. In the beech forests you imagine yourself in a cathedral, without woody undergrowth and with trunks as pillars. The rich herb layer on the forest floor contains at least 226 plant species. The castle has a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the park. At Meilegem you cycle along an old Scheldt arm. You will not follow the Scheldt for very long, because your ride continues through the hilly landscape towards your starting point in Zottegem.