De Westhoek Dune Reserve

De Westhoek is the largest nature reserve on the Belgian coast, lying on Dunkerkelaan in De Panne, West Flanders, close to the French border. The reserve protects mobile dunes, wet slacks, scrub and woodland behind the beach, and Konik horses graze parts of it as part of the management. Visitors usually arrive by Kusttram to De Panne, followed by a walk of about 2 km or a short bike ride to the reserve entrance. Drivers can use car parking near the entrance. The reserve is managed by Natuur en Bos, and entry to the marked paths does not require a permit, although dunes outside marked routes are closed to protect the habitat.

Marked paths cover roughly 3 to 8 km and take between one and two and a half hours. The terrain is dune landscape with short sand climbs, so total ascent is small but walking in soft sand can be tiring. Surfaces are sandy tracks, compacted paths and some sections of boardwalk or firmer ground in the lower slacks. Exposure to wind and sun is high on the dune crests, with shade limited to scrub and small wooded patches. Weather by the sea can shift quickly, and wind often makes it feel cooler than inland.

Landmarks include the high mobile dunes, the wet dune slacks with pools and reed, scrub areas favoured by birds, and views toward the sea and the surrounding polders. Visitors often walk a circuit that climbs onto a dune crest for a view and returns through sheltered scrub, and a sensible turn-around point on a short visit is the first major dune lookout. Konik horses may be visible grazing, and they should be observed from a distance without feeding or approaching.

No huts exist in the reserve, but cafés and shops are found in De Panne. Visitors should carry water, windproof clothing and binoculars, which help with birdwatching. Dogs are subject to rules in the reserve and should be kept on a leash, and visitors are asked to stay on marked paths to protect the fragile dune vegetation.