A suggested free cycle route. The journey we make from Ypres (Ieper) visiting sites to the North of the town. (Includes free Google Map).
Cycle Route North Ypres WWI sites including cemeteries, memorials and other evidence of the Great War.
Embark on a poignant journey through history as we cycle through the serene landscapes of Ypres, Belgium. Traverse the historic sites that bear witness to the sacrifices of World War I.
This cycling route, spans between 40 and 50 kilometers, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and solemn remembrance. We showcase significant landmarks from New Irish Farm Cemetery to Black Watch Corner.
- Bike Hire
- Navigation
The Route
Free Cycle Route North Ypres WW1 sites Map
The Route -Free Cycle Route North Ypres WW1 sites
- New Irish Farm Cemetery
- Essex Farm Cemetery
- Yorkshire Trench
- Klein Zwaanhof
- Welsh National Memorial
- Harry Patch Memorial
- Remembrance Poppy Monument
- Langemark Memorial
- Brooding Soldier
- Tank Memorial
- Georges Guynemer Memorial- Stork Memorial
- Poelkapelle British Cemetery
- Tyne Cot Cemetery
- Passchendaele Cemetery
- Polygon Wood Cemetery
- New Zealand Memorial beside Polygon Wood Cemetery
- Black Watch Corner
Bike Hire
There are quite a few bike hire shops in Ypres. We choose to hire from Biking Box as it is closest to our side of Ypres. They offer a discount for multiple day hire. We walk 5km into Ypres and hire our push bikes (all the Electric bikes were already booked and we had not rebooked our bikes). The panniers and phone holder (navigation) are included in the hire price.
Navigation
The Tourist Information Office in Ypres (Ieper) is a great resource. We collect leaflets, brochures and maps to get inspired for our few days of cycling and exploring. This Map “Flanders Fields’ will become our main resource for planning each route. We use google research to see if the site will be of particular interest to us.
Memorials and Sites of Interest on our Free Cycle Route of Ypres North
New Irish Farm Cemetery
Our journey commences after hiring our bike and we head out to the New Irish Farm Cemetery. The cemetery takes its name from the near by far, “Irish Farm”.
Essex Farm Cemetery
Next, we pay homage to the poignant inspiration behind John McCrae’s iconic poem “In Flanders Fields” at Essex Farm Cemetery. This tranquil site, where McCrae (Canadian) served as a field surgeon. This is where McCrae was inspired to write this memorable and moving poem. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of war and the enduring legacy of his poetic tribute.
Yorkshire Trench
As we pedal northward, we encounter Yorkshire Trench, a preserved section of British frontline trenches. This section of trench is in the middle of an industrial estate. The evidence of war in this area is found everywhere. The trenches are full of water due to the rise in ground water and can no longer be entered.
Klein Zwaanhof
Not on our original list of sites we notice Klein Zwaanhof signs whilst at Yorkshire Trench. This is a great find as this centre has an interesting free information movie, artefacts of warfare and free toilets. This renovated small farm building, also in the Industrial Estate provides extra inside into the area which we are about to explore.
Welsh National Memorial
At the Welsh National Memorial, we pause to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of Welsh soldiers who served on the Western Front. Erected in 2014 this solemn monument stands as a tribute to their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Harry Patch Memorial
Another surprise encounter is the Harry Patch Memorial. Harry lived to the grand age of 111. Beside a dyke and the cycle path we notice the memorial to Harry. Named in honour of the last surviving British soldier to have fought in the trenches of World War I, the Harry Patch Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the passing of a generation. Harry Patch’s poignant reflections on the futility of war resonate deeply as we stand in silent contemplation.
Remembrance Poppy Monument
Symbolizing remembrance and hope, the Remembrance Poppy Monument stands as a symbol of gratitude to those who gave their lives in service of their country. Located near the Langemark Cemetery the metal elements of this memorial were assembled in 2016 by 200 blacksmiths.
Langemark Memorial
As we reach the Langemark Memorial, we encounter a solemn tribute to the fallen German soldiers of World War 1. Here over 44, 000 Germans rest, the majority are in a mass grave.
A sad but interesting story is that initially wooden crosses marked the first graves but locals salvaged these and burnt the crossed to heat their homes.
Brooding Soldier
Standing tall amidst the fields of Flanders, the Brooding Soldier memorial commemorates the Canadian soldiers. It is here we shelter in the serene space and eat lunch as other visitors come and go.
Tank Memorial
The Tank Memorial commemorates the men of the Tank Corps who served in the Ypres Salient and who died in action. Originally a tank stood at this crossroads but was eventually damaged. The monument now contains a piece of the original tank.
Georges Guynemer Memorial- Stork Memorial Poelkapelle
Dedicated to the memory of Georges Guynemer, a French flying ace of World War I, this memorial stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of all who served in the skies above Flanders. George died aged only 22 years old. The stork symbolises his regiment and is a soaring silhouette of the daring exploits of those who fought for freedom from above.
Poelkapelle British Cemetery
As we reach Poelkapelle British Cemetery, we encounter a solemn reminder of the human cost of war. 7, 500 soldiers are buried here, the third largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the area. Here, amidst rows of white headstones, we pay homage to the thousands of British soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, stands as a solemn testament to the scale of human loss during the Great War. Also, at Tyne Cot Cemetery is a visitor centre. Here a female voice names the dead soldiers, as an image displays and states their final age.
Passchendaele Cemetery
Nestled amidst the tranquil countryside of Flanders, Passchendaele Cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the brutal battle that raged in its midst. Here, amidst the serene surroundings, we pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers who perished in the muddy fields of Passchendaele.
Polygon Wood Cemetery
An unusually shaped and small cemetery, Polygon Wood Cemetery named after the nearby woods. The final resting place for Commonwealth Soldiers and one German soldier.
New Zealand Memorial beside Polygon Wood Cemetery
Across the cycle path from Polygon wood Cemetery lies the much larger New Zealand Memorial Cemetery. Buttes New British (New Zealand Cemetery).
Black Watch Corner
Our journey culminates at Black Watch Corner, a striking statue of a Black Watch Soldier. Unveiled in 2014 and honours the 9000 who lost their lives. It is located at this unique spot due to a battle on the 10th and 11th of November where the Black Watch halted the German advance.
Free Cycle Route North Ypres WW1 sites in conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the hallowed grounds of Ypres and Flanders Fields, we are reminded of the profound impact of war on the lives of countless individuals.
From the tranquil beauty of the countryside to the solemnity of the war memorials. Each stop along the way serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As we pedal homeward, let us carry with us the memory of the fallen and strive to build a future free from the scourge of war.
When will we ever learn? No More War!
wee wild adventures