Kemmelbergwandelroute

From the visitor centre opposite Kemmel church, the loop leaves the village by the Willebeek and the park of Domein De Chalet, then follows field paths and country lanes round the south side of the Kemmelberg to the Monteberg (131 m), with vineyards along the way. From there a steep path climbs to the top of the Kemmelberg (154 m), the highest hill in Flanders outside the Voeren. The way back runs down the wooded slopes of the ridge and through the park of De Warande to the village.

It is 8.8 km round with 175 m of ascent; allow about 2¾ hours; the grade is Easy: field paths, woodland tracks and some village and country road, with one steep climb to the summit.

The Kemmelberg provincial domain is open from sunrise to sunset and dogs must be on a lead, and the loop is signposted as one of the suggested walks of the Heuvelland walking network. The loop passes the French mass grave (Frans massagraf), one of two monuments to the battle of the Kemmelberg in the domain. Bluebells flower on the slopes in April and May. The climb and the descent through the woods are steep, so shoes with a good grip help.

The walk starts at the Het Heuvelland visitor centre on the Sint-Laurentiusplein, opposite the church in Kemmel, and there are car parks in the village. Bus and Flexbus stops are marked beside the church on the Province's map of the domain; the nearest railway station, Ieper, is about 8 km away in a straight line.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.