Calais to Gent, the best route

[bof]

I have cycled Calais - Ypres (not on to Gent - I caught a train onwards to where I was going). The route took me via Audriques, Rumingem, Watten, Cassel Ypres by back roads. It's more varied scenery than heading along the coast (frankly a bit dull) and has some climbing. Interesting sights on or near the route are Eperleques - has the V2 Rocket Bunker, Cassel is a pretty small town on top of a hill with some good restaurants, Ypres the WWI stuff.

 

[srw]

Sounds ideal- especially after a 300 mile ride!!
Did you see my question about following a route without a Gps system? What's your advice?

In the days before GPSs (not that long ago) we all did it that way. I remember carrying a map in my pannier and stopping every 5 miles or so to consult it.

Find a map of an appropriate scale. Get a cheap bar-bag with a transparent map-holder from Halfords, Decathlon or ebay. Start riding. Some people will use a highlighter on their preferred route, but I've never bothered.

 

[Fietslogies]

Some interesting stretches, using canal and river tow paths:
Calais-Ardres-Watten
Armentières-Wervik-Menen-Kortrijk-Deinze-Gent
Gravelines-Watten-Bergues-Veurne-Nieuwpoort-Oostende-Brugge-Damme-Maldegem-Eeklo-Gent
Brugge-Gent

 

[EmilyCC87]

thanks for all your advice!