Eversam Wood
Alveringem
2 min read
A short woodland walk in Stavele through young trees and open spaces, with traces of the area’s abbey history along the way.
The walk
Eversam Wood in Stavele is a compact, 41-hectare site close to the River Yser. In the open landscape of the Westhoek, this greenery immediately stands out. Woodland, hay meadows and pasture sit side by side, with several paths to explore at your own pace.
Young woodland in an open landscape
Most of the site is wooded, with hay meadows and pasture alongside it. The paths take you through young, dense greenery before opening out into more spacious areas. Sheltered woodland paths alternate with open stretches, giving this short walk plenty of variety.
It is the kind of place where you naturally slow down, with rustling leaves and birdsong in the background
The former Eversam Abbey
The wood stands on land that once belonged to Eversam Abbey. Founded in 1091 by Walbertus, a canon from Cassel, the abbey had a turbulent history. It was plundered during the iconoclastic unrest of the 16th century. Rebuilding began around 1610 under Jacob Beke, but a fire devastated it in 1794, during the French Revolution. It was never rebuilt afterwards.
The abbey has disappeared, but the older parts of nearby Eversam Farm and several small sluices still bear witness to its past.
The old horse track and the ‘Guillotines’
The broad, oval central path recalls a former horse track.
The surviving sluices have their own story too. Their unusual shape led local residents to nickname them the ‘Guillotines’. One can be found beyond the car park, towards the River Yser.
A short walk or a longer loop along the Yser
There are two short walking routes in the wood that you can combine. My own walk came to about 2.5 kilometres, so you do not need to plan a long hike to explore the site.
For a longer outing, you can join the network of numbered walking junctions. The loop 31 – 48 – 49 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 31 is around 6.8 kilometres long and includes a section along the River Yser.
At the end of your walk, you return to the car park.
Photos from this walk
Jay’s tips
For a longer walk, follow the walking-node loop 31 – 48 – 49 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 31. This combines Eversam Wood with a section along the River Yser for a total of around 6.8 kilometres.
Good to know
Muddy after rain
Sturdy footwear recommended
The heavy clay soil can stay wet and muddy long after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Check your whole body for ticks after the walk too.
My experience
Eversam Wood is especially suited to a short, quiet woodland walk. It is not a large forest, but in such an open part of the Westhoek the change is noticeable as soon as you enter the trees. My walk came to about 2.5 kilometres. The shade is useful on a warm day, although after rain you should expect wet and muddy sections.
Waymarking
Not waymarked
Route map available on site
Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
