Castle Trail
The Cirkwi brief
Imagine embarking on a picturesque six-kilometer journey, starting from the historical Saint-Thomas de Cantorbury Church, right in the heart of Morbecque. This friendly path weaves through the tranquil hameau, graced with sights of lush landscapes and architectural marvels. Courtesy of Nord Tourisme, this trail promises an enriching experience, seamlessly blending history with the joy of exploration. It's a perfect escapade, allowing strollers and those with mobility needs to immerse in the serenity of nature, while also presenting a chance to indulge in the local culinary delights at “De Swatelaere”.
Trail Specs at Your Fingertips
Covering a distance of 8.29km, this trail ranges from an altitude of 17 to 20 meters, featuring a minimal elevation gain of just 1 meter, making it particularly accommodating for all fitness levels. This well-marked route, with its yellow signage, guides explorers through a flat terrain that promises ease and accessibility. These technical specifics ensure that whether you're in for a leisurely stroll or a mild paced hike, the trail caters to a wide spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts.
Seasonal Tips for Trail Adventurers
Regardless of the season, this trail offers unique charms. However, adventurers must heed the hunting schedule from September to February for safety. Spring blooms render the path most picturesque, while summers provide lush verdancy. Autumn adorns the trail with a tapestry of colors, yet demands vigilance during the hunting season. Winter, crisp and serene, offers its own quiet beauty, albeit with reduced accessibility on snowy days. Always carrying water and checking weather advisories before any trek is advised.
Rich History Unveiled
Morbecque, a gem nestled in Northern France, stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and historical significance. From its commencement at the remarkable Saint-Thomas de Cantorbury Church, a monument steeped in history, the trail offers a passage through time. This region, once under the influence of Fort Gassion and the wider Aire-sur-la-Lys area, encapsulates centuries of stories waiting to be discovered. Morbecque, with its roots deeply entrenched in the past, presents a vibrant tableau of Northern France's evolving landscape.
Climate Guide for Optimal Visitation
Morbecque is graced with a temperate climate, featuring mild to warm summers and cool winters, making it inviting year-round. However, for the best outdoor experience, late spring to early autumn provides the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the trails. This period maximizes your enjoyment of the area's natural beauty while ensuring comfort. Remember, the region's rainfall is quite distributed through the year, so packing a light raincoat might be wise, even in seemingly clear months.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Point 1
De l'Eglise Saint-Thomas de Cantorbury, riche d'histoire avec sa façade issue de l'ancien Fort Gassion d'Aire-sur-la-Lys, traversez prudemment la route et partez en face (rue de la gare).
Point 2
Après le calvaire, empruntez à gauche la drève du train de Loos et traversez la forêt domaniale de Nieppe, avec ses pruneliers, charmes, hêtres et vieux chênes. Vous pourrez aussi apercevoir des grenouilles, des hérons ou des salamandres. A l'orée de la forêt, poursuivez tout droit sur la petite route (chemin de Vieux Berquin).
Point 3
Tournez à gauche (chemin de Pecker) et à l'intersection suivante, virez encore à gauche (chemin du Souverain). Au bout de la route, tournez à droite et tout de suite à gauche (Carosse Straete). Continuez tout droit.
Point 4
A la fin de la route, tournez à droite (chemin de l'écluse), le long du canal de Nieppe. A la passerelle en bois, tournez à gauche et à nouveau à gauche et prenez l'autre côté du canal. Continuez tout droit. Passez l'écluse et tournez à gauche, puis à droite. Au bout du chemin de l'écluse, tournez à gauche (rue de Merville). Et rejoignez le parking de l'église.
