Preshoekpad
Lauwe (Menen)
A green woodland walk near Kortrijk, ideal on warmer days if the sound of the nearby E17 does not bother you.
The walk
The Preshoekpad is a 4.3-kilometre loop through the Preshoekbos, between Lauwe, Marke and Aalbeke.
Most of the route follows unpaved paths through young woodland, meadows and more open areas. Several smaller side paths also make it easy to explore a little beyond the main route.
Route map
A woodland that is still growing
The Preshoekbos is still relatively young, and that is easy to see along the way. Some sections already feel like proper woodland, while others are still quite open or have only recently been planted.
The area is continuing to expand and is eventually expected to cover around 250 hectares. Woodland, meadows, open ground and a few wetter areas alternate throughout the walk.
That mix gives the route more variety than I had expected.
Mostly unpaved
Most of the walk follows dirt paths and smaller trails through different parts of the woodland.
I also came across several side paths that were not shown on my map. They make it easy to leave the main route for a while and explore another part of the woods.
I passed other walkers from time to time, but it never felt particularly busy. Many people seem to come here for a short walk or simply to walk their dog.
There is a separate dog area where dogs can run off-leash. Outside that zone, they need to stay on a lead. There is also a play area for children.
Plenty of shade on warm days
I chose this walk because it was hot and I wanted somewhere with enough shade.
Not every section runs beneath the trees, and some parts are still quite open, but the more wooded areas give you regular breaks from the sun.
If you are looking for a short walk near Kortrijk on a warm day, that makes the Preshoekbos a useful option.
The E17 is hard to ignore
The biggest downside is the location beside the E17.
Traffic noise is clearly audible along much of the route. If you mainly go walking for peace and quiet, you should definitely keep that in mind.
You can still hear plenty of birds between the trees, but for me the motorway remains a major drawback.
If you usually walk with music or a podcast, you will probably notice it much less.
Photos from this walk
Jay’s tips
On warm days, the more wooded sections are the most pleasant. If you like exploring a little, several smaller paths also let you leave the main route for a while. If peace and quiet are important to you, remember that the E17 is audible during much of the walk.
Good to know
Muddy after rain
Picnic area or benches
Playground
After rain, the unpaved paths can become muddy. Also keep in mind that traffic from the E17 remains audible during much of the walk.
My experience
Even though the Preshoekbos is close to home, the E17 had always put me off visiting. With the hot weather, I finally decided to give it a try.
The woodland was greener and more varied than I expected, but the traffic noise is still a real downside for me.
Walking nodes
West-Vlaamse Leievallei
Route map available on site
Ready to set off?
Open the starting point in your GPS and enjoy the walk.
