Zwarten Hoek walking route
Discover the watery natural area De Zwarten Hoek, where old sand quarries have been transformed into clear ponds. This varied walk takes you past water, dunes and woodland. It is an ideal place to spot birds and enjoy the peace of nature.
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This walk is mostly on unpaved ground, so it is not accessible with a wheelchair or pushchair.
Starting location
Starting location
The walk is a loop, starting at the entrance to the Westhoek nature reserve.
8660 De Panne
BE
On your route
Westhoekreservaat
Enjoy trees, dunes and sea. This beautiful and oldest nature reserve in Flanders lies in the westernmost corner of Belgium, on the border with France. Come and enjoy the peace, romp in the adventure zone and admire these beautiful dunes, which look different in every season... And maybe you will suddenly come face to face with a Scottish Highland cow or a wild konik horse!
Zwarten Hoek
This watery area used to be an old sand quarry. Today, the 10-metre-deep pits are filled with clear groundwater and rainwater. It is a true paradise for water birds. As you walk, you are sure to see them looking for tasty treats in and around the water.
De Travert
Following a public participation process, the new cycle connection on the old railway bed between the station and the French border is now officially called ‘De Travert’. The name refers both to the railway of the past and to the green surroundings in which you cycle.
Parking
You can easily park in Schuilhavenlaan and/or Dynastielaan. This is a green long-stay parking zone.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start, at the Westhoek information point (Schuilhavenlaan 5).
Paradise for water birds
The Zwarten Hoek is a 20-hectare watery area. The name refers to the area’s historical state as a dark, marshy, remote piece of land.
The 10-metre-deep old sand quarry, known locally as De Drie Vijvers, is now filled with clear groundwater and rainwater. It is an ideal place for special plants and a paradise for birds looking for tasty treats. You can enjoy a pleasant and varied walk around the ponds, and at regular times you can spot plenty of water birds.