This trail is dedicated to the historical farmstead ‘De Grote Bamburg’, which played an important role in the origins and history of the municipality of Westende. Together with ‘De kleine Bamburg’ and ‘De Vlaming Hofstede’, the farm was a property of the St. Peter's Abbey of Oudenburg. In 1173, this abbey started embanking the salt marshes (flooded land). This is how these settlements and the Bamburgpolder came into being. The Bamburghoeve is already known in 1208.

De Kleine Bamburghoeve is a historic farmstead site on Schuddebeurzeweg in Westende. In the 16th century, the farmstead was split off from the Grote Bamburg (Bamburgstraat). After World War I, the farm was rebuilt to a design by Bruges architect Theo Raison, in keeping with traditional, regional farmhouse construction. It was completely rebuilt in 1920 and in 1995 the farmstead was protected as a monument.

Starting point: Westende - Bad, south of St Theresa's Chapel, Badenlaan.

Most of this path is situated on the territory of the former Lombardsijde, which used to be a thriving port. Around 500 AD, the Anglo-Saxons would have settled here and soon formed a large settlement along the most peculiar offshoot of the Yser. The trail is mainly dedicated to the work and life of the polder population, most of whom were market gardeners. 

This path has been marked out along many peculiar farmsteads, many of whose names have been revived. We start at the old Westende town hall on Westendelaan in Westende village. The hiking trail leads you along quiet roads past many remarkable farms. 

This footpath leads to the borough of Wilskerke, where we can enjoy the silence of this rural village. The path starts at the Home Pierre Julien in the Yzerlaan. The Flerispad refers to the Flerishoeve in Wilskerke. There is a funny legend about that farmstead. Fleris, the servant, was a water spirit and liked nothing better than to bully the other servants and maids. In desperation, the farmer and the farmer's wife went to the village priest. The priest advised them to give Fleris porridge with garlic. So that same evening he was given porridge with garlic, but he tasted it and cried, ‘Aha, porridge with garlic, Fleris moves and so does happiness.’ He disappeared and that same night the farmhouse burned down. 

The farm trail starts at Yseland House, on the corner of Hoveniersstraat and Lombardsijdelaan (the road between Westende Dorp and Lombardsijde Dorp). You can admire this white gabled house, originally built in 1905, as a memento of Icelandic shipping in this area. The footpath introduces you to the Icelandic navigation and to nature in the area around Westende and Lombardsijde.

This footpath, mapped out as part of the Spermalie land consolidation project, explores the polder landscape northeast of the village of Schore (Middelkerke borough). The route description elaborates on the origins and structure of the polder landscape, the natural and landscape values present, as well as the numerous valuable buildings and places of interest along the route.

Nature reserve at the beach between Westende and Nieuwpoort

Nice to combine wiht Yselandpand and/or Bamburgpad

Nice to combine with ferryboat from the nature reserve to the beach of Nieuwpoort.  

The ferry ‘The New Vision’ takes you from the right bank of the Yser to -the promenade in Nieuwpoort, but the ride in itself is also quite an experience. You can enjoy the salty sea air and stunning views as the ferry takes you to your destination.

Fun fact: the ferry was designed by Belgian artist Roger Raveel.

timetable: https://www.agentschapmdk.be/nl/veerdiensten/veerdienst-nieuwpoort

Over 100 rivets smoothly mark the four-kilometre route. 

The Westende heritage walk starts at Villa les Zéphyrs, the former holiday home of the Ghent Muyshondt family. The route takes you past the many witnesses of Westende's fashionable past. Via the Zeedijk, you discover the majestic Grand Hôtel Belle-Vue. Besides historical sights, the walking route also passes several contemporary works of art including ‘ I can hear it’, ‘The Caterpillar #5bis + Flatbed Trailer’ and ‘The Olnetop’. Via quiet footpaths through the Waranda Dunes, you return to the centre, enjoying a slice of nature.

Rivet signage

Besides a brochure explaining the various sights on one side and a clear plan with the route on the reverse side, the route is also signposted. The route is marked with metal rivets on which the Grand Hôtel Belle-Vue is depicted. The heritage walking route Westende is one of the heritage walking routes on the coast that is signposted with rivets. They show heritage lovers the way in a discreet but clear way.

Provincial Domain Atlantic Wall Raversyde is a unique piece of nature reserve near the sea. A varied landscape invites you to walk, cycle, run and romp. Site with different things to visit:

• natural reserve of dunes

• (free) photo exhibition

• archeological site, starting from the Roman period (Walraversijde), including reconststructed medieval fishermen's houses

• part ot the 'Atlantic Wall'

• house of the Belgian ruler during the second World War 'Memoriaal prins Karel)

• reception Centre for Birds and Wild Animals (V.O.C.).

It takes a day to vist it all.  It can be visited with the museumpass.

More information on https://www.raversyde.be/en