Ruddervoorde: Church History, Mill Site and Walking Routes

Ruddervoorde brings together two historic points of interest and a range of walking routes: the Gothic Sint-Eligiuskerk, the former Watermolensite van Wanzeele watermill site and the four signposted trails of De Wandelleuningen. The church and mill site offer different perspectives on local history; the routes can be clearly compared by length. This makes it possible to explore Ruddervoorde through its architectural and industrial history, as well as by choosing a route of your preferred length. Cultural history and walking are distinct areas of interest that you can weigh up when planning your stay.

Sint-Eligiuskerk: two historical time periods

Sint-Eligiuskerk is Gothic and was substantially enlarged in 1884. The first Sint-Eligiuskerk probably dates from the 13th or 14th century. These two details should be kept distinct when considering the timeline: the early date is approximate and refers to the first church; 1884 marks the later substantial enlargement. They therefore refer to different stages in its history. When comparing these dates with those of the mill site, it helps to distinguish between an approximate early period and a precise year for a structural alteration to the church.

Watermolensite van Wanzeele and its history

The former Watermolensite van Wanzeele watermill site is now called “De zingende watermolen” and includes the watermill on the Grote Beek. In 1848, the watermill played an important role in the development of the Vrijgeweid. East of the mill building stands the turbine house, with a cast-iron date plate bearing the inscription “1925”. The two dates refer to different things: 1848 relates to the mill’s historical role, while 1925 is the inscription on the turbine house’s plate. The mill site thus brings together a named connection with the Vrijgeweid and a specific architectural detail.

De Wandelleuningen: four routes

De Wandelleuningen offers four signposted walking routes in Ruddervoorde. The routes are 1.83 km, 3.19 km, 4.34 km and 9 km long. The two middle options are 3.19 km and 4.34 km; the longest route is almost five times as long as the 1.83 km route. This range makes route length a practical point of comparison when planning your trip. All four routes are accessible to wheelchairs, rollators and strollers. This accessibility information applies to all four distances; the kilometres help you compare the length, while accessibility is shared by every route.

Finding your way to Domein Zorgvliet

Domein Zorgvliet can be reached via Kortrijksestraat, next to house number 505 in Ruddervoorde. The former Kasteeldomein Zorgvliet estate was opened to the public by the municipality. Kortrijksestraat provides a specific reference point for finding your way, while the estate’s opening by the municipality is part of the history of the former property.

Discover more destinations: Hertsberge, Waardamme.

Return to the main travel overview: Oostkamp.