From Philippine towards the water

There are many historical elements in the landscape of Zeeuws Vlaanderen, which you may not easily stop because they seem so self-evident. For example, make no mistake about the pattern of channels and dikes that runs through the polder: you can see that the sea was gradually pushed back and that the landscape was conquered from the water in small steps. There are also settlements, fortresses and dykes dating back to the Eighty Years' War, hardly recognizable to laymen but not unimportant for the history of the landscape. These link up with other dikes and channels, because water was an important weapon in the battle. The fortifications of Sluis and Retranchement, which unfortunately are not on the cycle route, are still well preserved. During your bike ride in Hoofdplaat you will also pass De Hoop (hull / remainder). The former windmill was built in 1850, but was dismantled in 1922. In its heyday, De Hoop was a round stone ground sailor. It was used to grind grain. The chain wheel, of which the mill still has remains, is a rare mechanism. It is only used in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and East-Flanders, and can only be found in one other mill. The historic highlight of this tour is Castle Ter Leyen. The fifteenth-century castle stands on the edge of the dreamy village of Boekhoute. The property is surrounded by a canal and has a beautiful surrounding garden. The coach house and the nearby porter's house ensure that the complex really feels like a castle. The castle can be visited, but can also be hired for romantic occasions (weddings) and parties. Enjoy a bite to eat on the go at Restaurant de Mosselbank. Of course, the mussel is central to the menu. You can of course enjoy these shellfish with a matching drink, a nice beer or a glass of wine are not to be sneezed at. When you have had a nice lunch or dinner, you cycle to the Windlust windmill in Hoek. The Windlust is a round brick-built tower mill built in 1857 to grind grain. Windlust replaces a post mill. Some parts from that mill were re-used in the new one. Windlust was in operation until 1958, but after that the mill fell into disrepair. Restorations took place in 1979/1980 and 2009.