Let's gravel for coffee & cake: the 5 best Belgian gravel routes

Have you caught the gravel bug too? No surprise there – the mix of dirt roads, gravel lanes and wooded trails takes you far from busy traffic and deep into nature. Peace, challenge, and freedom on two wheels.

And what’s gravel without coffee? The best rides end (or begin) with a blissful espresso, a cappuccino on a sun-drenched terrace, or a coffee stop in a bar where a bit of mud on your frame is no problem. Fortunately, Belgium – small in size but big on routes – is bursting with gravel options and trendy, bike-friendly coffee bars.

From the quiet Kempen to the punchy Ardennes: in this blog, you’ll discover five top gravel routes, complete with GPX or signposting and a coffee bar where your bike is just as welcome as you are.

1. Gravel & Slopes - Flemish Ardennes (±80 km)

Start & finish : Oudenaarde
GPX available via RouteYou

The Flemish Ardennes are a paradise for those who enjoy a mix of unpaved tracks and rolling hills . This route winds between legendary cobbled climbs but mainly favours the peace and quiet of gravel roads and wooded lanes around Maarkedal, Ronse, and Kluisbergen.

Coffee stop : Peloton Café (Oudenaarde)

The go-to spot for cycling fans, right next to the Tour of Flanders Centre . Order a strong Coureur Espresso or choose from a range of “mattentaart”, rice cake, muffins, or the cake of the day. Cyclists are more than welcome here, and the terrace is perfect for post-ride chat in the sun. Take a photo and tag #coffeerideCRVV – you might just earn a spot on their feed.

Photo: ( Agentschap Voor Natuur en Bos , z.d.)

2. Kempen Gravel Ride - Zoersel (±60 km)

Start & finish : Zoersel
Route via gravelmap.com

The Kempen region? Definitely a gravel gem. Wide forest paths, quiet dirt roads , and a surprising amount of flow. Ideal for both beginners and experienced gravel riders who want to combine speed with nature.

Coffee break : Café Fringale (Zoersel)
Founded by ex-pro cyclist Kris Boeckmans – aka Barista Boekie – this is where racing and coffee meet. An authentic vibe, flawless espressos, and cycling coverage regularly playing on the big screen. There’s no better place to wrap up your ride.

Photo: ( Land van Playsantiën! , z.d.)

3. The Gravel Trail - West-Vlaanderen (±70 km)

Start & finish : Bruges
GPX via Ride with GPS

This route winds through the Bruges Ommeland: billiard-table flat , yet full of surprises. You’ll ride along dead-straight gravel lanes, skimming green forest edges where deer and roe deer graze undisturbed. The scene is a perfect match for the region’s charming, picture-postcard feel . Though mostly flat, the gravel roads here occasionally invite a strong push on the pedals.

Golden tip for after the ride: Cavelia (Bruges)

Go for wines & bites at Cavelia, right in the heart of Bruges. Hostess Manon – an avid cyclist herself – will indulge your taste buds with a smile! And yes, you can also enjoy a delicious coffee and a a little cake alongside the worldly wine selection.

Photo: ( Brugse Ommeland , z.d.)

4. Le Coffee Ride gravel rides - Ardennes (from 49 to 109 km)

Start & finish : Coo (Stavelot)
Free GPX available via Le Coffee Ride Routes

High Peak Gravel, Fagnes Groads, Belgian Groads and Gravel Solitude - four stunning gravel routes that all start and finish at the iconic Le Coffee Ride. These rides blend the rugged beauty of the Ardennes with carefully curated gravel sections. Think tough climbs, dense forests, technical descents, and sweeping vistas. A must-ride for seasoned gravel cyclists.

And you won’t just stop here for great coffee and a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Le Coffee Ride is much more than a café – it lives and breathes cycling. You’ll find a bike-friendly B&B and a warm community of gravel, MTB, and road enthusiasts. Everything here exudes a passion for cycling – from the menu to the bike hooks on the wall.

Photo: ( Maison du Tourisme Spa Hautes Fagnes Ardennes , 2021)

5. Zennevallei Gravel - Vlaams-Brabant (±35 km)

Start & finish : Zemst
GPX via Komoot

A shorter route, but full of variety. Along the winding Zenne, through quiet villages and between rows of poplars, you’ll find gravel paths and hidden shortcuts – perfect for a quick evening spin or a laid-back Sunday morning ride.

Coffee stop : "Het Gegeven Paard" (Zemst)
Small, charming, and conscious – local and sustainable through and through. Enjoy a delicious slow brew or a creamy cappuccino, often served with a homemade slice of cake on the side. And yes, your bike is welcome inside too.

Photo: ( Visit Mechelen , z.d.)

Whichever route you choose, gravel riding in Belgium offers the best of both worlds: nature and coffee culture.

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