Anjo\\\'s round: Hoogezand - Harkstede - Slochteren

Anjo from Hoogezand is a fanatic cyclist and lover of nature and historic landscapes. This is all reflected in this route. "The polders are beautiful, you see an incredible number of birds and other animals. The ribbon from Harkstede to Slochteren is very beautiful, you cycle under the trees past farms, churches and fields.\\\'\\\' 

The route  starts in Hoogezand and passes through the villages of the former municipality of Slochteren. Along the way you pass the mill in Kropswolde, the Foxholstermeer. After the Kropswolsterbuitenpolder and the Westerbroeksemadenpolder you cross a bridge over the Hunze and you enter the Onnerpolder. All these polders are beautiful nature reserves where bird watchers can indulge themselves. 

Direction Slochteren

From Waterhuizen it goes via Engelbert to Harkstede. This is where the former municipality of Slochteren begins. The villages of Scharmer, Kolham, Froombosch and Slochteren are located here in a long ribbon along a tree-lined road. There are beautiful medieval churches in Harkstede and Slochteren, the one in Slochteren has an imposing free-standing tower. You pass several terraces: Hof van Scharmer, the Molen Entreprise in Kolham, Smaakvol Slochteren and of course the Fraeylemaborg  in Slochteren with adjacent restaurant De Boerderij.  Via a beautiful road you drive along the Slochterbos to the hamlet of Stootshorn and then towards Sappemeer. If you want to cut off a section, you can go directly to the start and end point here at junction 32.

Modern

Finally, you will pass the newer part of Hoogezand with the Hooge Meeren shopping center. You will find all kinds of shops here and a nice terrace at the Kielzog. The end point is Hotel Faber, a household name in Hoogezand and the surrounding area. Ideal for a final meal.