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The two canals that intersect here (near Merendree and Zomergem, not Sint-Joris, as initially mentioned here) are the Ghent-Bruges Canal and the Schipdonk Canal. This point is known as the Schipdonk Lock.

Very popular route out of the city, in a safe and efficient way!

Poeke Castle boasts nearly 1,000 years of history. This impressive, eclectic, rococo-style castle in Aalter has been home to various noble families throughout the centuries; its history itself dates back to the 12th century. Its pale pink facades still sparkle today. The surrounding wooded park, 56 hectares in size, makes the estate a beautiful place for a stroll.

Ideal for cycling on this safe track, approximately 45 km between the two towns

On the way to and from Ghent, this trip down the spiral is a great change.

To cross the Ghent-Ostend Canal, pedestrians are dependent on the bridges for car traffic: between Bellembrug and the bridge on Veldestraat in Merendree (from here just past the Schipdonksluis) there is only this one, the Hansbekebrug.

Originally, this castle was the seat of the Lords of Lovendegem, initially the Van Lovendegem family, known from the 13th or 14th century. In 1462, the lordship passed to Philip the Good, who was also Count of Flanders. The castle's contents were sold by Emperor Charles V between 1550 and 1552, and ultimately, the lordship was sold to Knight Joos Triest. In 1700, it passed to Gillis Dons, who was elevated to baron in 1716 and changed the family name to Dons de Lovendeghem. The castle remained in the family's possession for centuries. In 1918, Baron I. Dons de Lovendeghem was murdered here. A memorial chapel has been erected at the site of the baron's murder. The actual castle was probably originally a keep with a small house. In the 17th century, Joos Triest added a northern wing with a chapel. In 1721, the right wing and a new facade were built at the behest of Gillis Dons. The castle was further modified in 1858 and 1888. The fully moated building and the surrounding park are not open to the public. You can only admire this truly captivating castle from Kasteeldreef. Source: Wikipedia

The canal with many names: officially it is called the ‘Afleidingskanaal van de Leie’, it is often called the ‘Schipdonkkanaal’ or ‘Kanaal van Schipdonk’ and in common parlance people sometimes dare to speak of the ‘Stinker’. The latter name refers to the heavily polluted water in the canal as a result of flax retting in the Leie. It was precisely because of that polluted water that a siphon was built to prevent dirty water from flowing into the Ghent-Bruges canal. The ‘Goed van Schipdonck’ near this intersection is said to have given the canal its name. Source: https://www.lievegem.be/lievelingsplekjes/schipdonkkanaal