Comines-Ieper canal (15 km)

Comines - Ieper Canal
Source: Major & Mrs. Holt's Battle Map of the Ypres Salient

The project to connect the Leie with the river IJzer via a canal from the Leie to connect with the Ieperlee canal at Ieper dates from the second half of the 19th century. The canal was never put into service. Four attempts were made, but all failed due to the unstable soil near Hollebeke. Landslides and collapses destroyed bridges and tunnels. The original project (1864-1866) included 14 locks and one 700m long tunnel near what is now known as the "Provinciaal Domein Palingbeek". A second attempt, dating from 1867-1868 and 1870-1873, tried to cross the ridge via the excavation of a deep cut. The third one (1889-1893) included a 350m long tunnel. During 1909-1913 the last attempt, including additional locks, was made. In 1913, at the eve of WW1, the St Eloois bridge collapsed and the project was abandoned. Most of the locks (without doors) are still in place.

fishing hole
Source: Alex Carr May 2006

If you follow the canal, you will find three quite different sections. Starting from the south end - the Leie at Comines:

- The first section, which is 5 km long, has recently (2000 - 2001) constructed cement towpaths intended for bicycles. This is part of the French region RaVEL network. This section starts with a 300m long fishing area. After crossing the Comines-Warneton road, at the location of the original Comines lock, one enters a park for some hundred meters. After the park a railroad track runs parallel to the canal to almost the east entrance of the Palingbeek. The rest of this section is very nice riding until the pavement (and RaVEL signage) stops at the language border.

- The middle section (5 km) is for the most part nature preserve, with parts restricted to pedestrians. Unless you are prepared to walk, skip to the detour below.

The area saw intense fighting during WW1 - you are approaching the front line "Ypres salient". You may notice old pieces of ammunition on the side of the road to be picked up by the de-mining service DOVO-Poelkapelle. DO NOT TRY TO COLLECT ANY AS SOUVENIRS. MANY TONS OF LIVE AMMUNITION FROM WW1 ARE FOUND EVERY YEAR. Also WW1 world cemeteries start to show up frequently.

The first km is only accessible between the canal and the railroad track by all terrain bicycles. The second km, between Hollebeke and the east entrance of the Palingbeek is only accessible by pedestrians; boots may be required.

The last 3 km is in the nature preserve "Provinciaal Domein Palingbeek." It is accessible but most parts are forbidden for bicycles. Signs, a silhouette of a family, indicate that access is only granted to pedestrians (Alleen toegankelijk voor voetgangers). However, this may be the most interesting part because it was this section that caused the project to fail due to the unstable soil conditions. In the Palingbeek, the canal has a towpath on the north and south bank. The towpaths are paved; on the north bank from the east entrance to the center with gravel, and the remainder with cobblestones and vice-versa for the south bank. The nature preserve is composed of almost two equally large parts: the eastern part still looks like a canal and is reserved for fisherman, the western part is almost completely silted. From east to west one encounters: an old lock, a weir (dam), at the center on the north bank a cafeteria (main entrance) and near the canal a display showing an interesting cross-section of the canal illustrating the different failed projects, a wooden bridge, and a second lock with weir. Notice at the west entrance the Spoilbank Cemetery (1915-1918).

With a touring bicycle, one has to make a 8.5 km (north or south) detour around this middle section, but always with the canal within viewing distance. At the language border turn left. At the crossing with the "Komense weg" turn right and follow the main road through Hollebeke until the commune border (end of 50 km speed limit). At that point you have a choice: to detour north or south of the Palingbeek.

For the south route, enter the "Wielewaalstraat" and follow the signs "Vlaanderen Fietsroute LF6b." (This is a fairly new route - not indicated on the 1994 issue of the Vlaanderens Fietsroute Topogids or Geocart.) The ride is through farmland and the Palingbeek golf course. Cyclers are protected by fences. In about 1,500 m you reach the west entrance of the Palingbeek reserve.

For the north route follow the main road. In about 200 m you pass the east entrance to Palingbeek. The railroad continues north where after 1 km it runs through a deep cut. The spoil from making the cut was dumped on "Hill 60". The canal bends west to enter the Palingbeek domain.

One km further there is to the left a lane, the main entrance, leading to the center of the Palingbeek. Bicycles are allowed till the end of that lane, within a short walk of the place where two tunnels collapsed. A display on the north bank gives additional information.

Back on the main road, for those interested in WW1 follow the "Hill 60" sign. This was one of the bloodier places on a bloody front in a bloody war. It changed hands six times between 1914 and 1918. The hill has been left to nature but the scars of war are still quite visible. Across the street from the hill is a private museum/café. The owner has collected stereoscopes with scores of photographs taken during the war. They are a must for anyone with illusions that war is glorious.

Otherwise continue till "Verbrande Molenstraat" and follow the "Vlaanderen Fietsroute LF6a" signs to reach the west entrance of the domain.

Ieper market square, Laken Hall on the left
Source: Alex Carr May 2006

- The third section (5km) approaching Ieper, has an asphalt paved towpath and ends at the IJzer-Ieper Canal. One needs to switch banks several times, which is each time straightforward - except after the railroad crossing. There take the east bank.

The last 1,5 km starting at the crossing with the N375 is through urban area and contains 3 locks adapted for water level control.

A nice alternative for this last 1,5 km stretch is to turn right at the N375 towards the town center. Following the "Vlaanderens Fietsroute LF6b" signs brings you to: the city fortifications founded in the middle ages amd rebuilt by Vauban in the 17^th century, the still-flooded moat, the Menin Gate, and the city center with its cloth (laken) hall. (Karel Roose January 2003)

Last updated 3 February 2003

Gamber Net | Cycling Belgium's Waterways | Eastern Flanders | Route List | Route Map | contact Dan