Folklore Walking Route
Beselare
A peaceful loop through the countryside around Beselare, with open views, small chapels and traces of the village’s witch folklore.
The walk
The Folklore Walking Route is a 7.7-kilometre loop through the countryside around Beselare. According to the official description, the walk explores local history, cultural traditions, the Lords of Beselare, the reconstruction after the First World War and, above all, the village’s well-known witch tradition. On paper, that gives the route a strong identity, although much of the story remained in the background during my walk. The landscape still makes this an enjoyable outing, with quiet country roads, open fields and wide views across the surrounding countryside.
A folklore theme that remains understated
The walk starts on Beselare’s market square, close to the Heksenwaag. The village’s centuries-old witch tradition is one of the main themes of the route. The official description also refers to the reclamation of former wasteland, the Lords of Beselare, local economic activity and the reconstruction after the First World War.
During my walk, however, I only came across two information boards. Unless you already know the stories, much of that background therefore remains invisible. That is a missed opportunity, because the combination of folklore and local history could give this walk a much stronger identity.
Once you leave the village behind, the landscape takes over. The route moves through open fields and along quiet country roads, with wide views across the surrounding countryside.
Small chapels in the countryside
You pass several small chapels along the way. These rural places of devotion have long formed part of the landscape in this region. After the religious upheaval of the 16th century, small prayer sites became increasingly common, and before the First World War many farms and houses had their own tiny chapel or religious niche.
Much of this small-scale heritage disappeared during the war along with the surrounding buildings. Some of it was later rebuilt. Today, the chapels are modest features beside the route, but they fit naturally into the rural character of Beselare.
For me, these small details add much of the charm. There is no long sequence of major sights, but rather a peaceful landscape where something occasionally catches your eye along the way.
Open views and a path beside the vineyard
Most of the Folklore Walking Route follows paved roads, although there are a few unpaved sections, including a pleasant stretch beside a vineyard. It adds some welcome variety to a route that otherwise mainly follows quiet country lanes.
The landscape is fairly open, so several sections offer wide views across the surrounding fields. They are not dramatic panoramas, but they give the walk a real sense of space and calm. For me, that is ultimately one of the route’s strongest qualities.
After 7.7 kilometres, the loop returns to Beselare’s market square. If you want something to eat or drink, the best options are around the start and finish, as there is little available along the route itself.
Photos from this walk
Good to know
Little shade
Church
Food and drink options are mainly around Beselare’s market square. If you want something along the way, it is best to bring your own.
My experience
For me, the strongest part of the Folklore Walking Route is the landscape. Quiet country roads, open fields, small chapels and a few unpaved sections make it an easy-going and pleasant walk.
What I missed was a stronger presence of the folklore itself. I only came across two information boards, so many of the local stories remain hidden unless you already know them. In a village like Beselare, with such a distinctive witch tradition and so much local history, I felt the route could have done much more with that material.
Compared with other walks in the area, I therefore found this one a little less engaging. If you mainly want peace, country roads and open views, it is a good choice. If you are coming specifically for the folklore and stories, the route may feel a little too light on interpretation.
Walking nodes
Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
