Flax retting walking route

In de Leiestreek lie four beautiful walking loops through and around the three flax villages. The three sub-municipalities of Deinze with a rich flax past are Gottem, Grammene, and Wontergem. These three municipalities are located in a rural corner of the Leie region, on the border with West Flanders. Flax was retted here in the past. Retting is a process where flax is exposed to water after drying. Through contact with water, the sticky pectin layer loosens, causing the fibers to come loose. This delicate process took place in large wooden tubs in the Leie and its tributary the Mandel, until the year 1943. These rivers were very suitable because their lime- and iron-poor water made the flax firm and flexible. Our 7-kilometer-long trip will lead you through the valley of the Leie. On this route, you will walk through the small Gottem to then enjoy nature along the Oude Leiemeander where the birds will pleasantly sing to you.   Once back in Gottem, you can go for a refreshing thirst quencher in the small home brewery of Sint-Canarus.  Start: 14:00 at the parking lot of De Vlasschuur, Ardense Jagersstraat, 9800 Gottem. End around 17:00. To bring: sturdy walking shoes, appropriate clothing.