New Dutch Waterline

History buffs will enjoy this route offered by the South Holland Tourist Board. You meander along the Linge and along the Merwede Canal. These are two of the most important historic waterways in Dutch history. The route takes you along part of the New Dutch Waterline; an old defense line that was previously flooded to protect the Netherlands against enemy troops. The tour leads past old mills, historic forts and beautiful nature reserves. You park your car in the parking lot at the harbor in Gorinchem. In this city you will soon see the Nooit Volmaak mill on the route. It is a round mill that ground grain and has only been rebuilt twice. The mill only got its name in 1889, after it burned out. The structure was restored with parts from an oil mill called 'Never Perfect' and this mill took over the name. The mill still grinds grain on a voluntary basis and was completely restored in early 2012. Once you have cycled straight through Gorinchem, the route splits at Arkel to lead you via the small Kedichem towards Asperen.

Fort Asperen is located there in a historically strategic position. The fort is part of the new Dutch Waterline and could see enemy ships approaching from afar. The tower fort used to be surrounded by a moat and could therefore only be reached via a wooden drawbridge. The fortress has the status of a national monument and has been repurposed as an 'art fortress'. Cultural events and exhibitions have been organized annually in the complex since 1981.

You cycle through the interior to Schoonrewoerd, then cycle past Leerdam. On the edge of that city is the Ter Leede mill. Until 1940, the seesaw mill, together with another mill, drained the Bruinsdel and Hoog-Leerbroek polders. Ter Leede was almost demolished when the upper shaft broke in 1940, but a glass factory saved the mill by purchasing it. 42 years later, the mill was transferred to the municipality of Leerdam, which wanted to restore it. Only when the restoration was completed in 1985 did the mill get its current name.

When you arrive at the village of Arkel you will see the Jan van Arkel mill. The octagonal tower mill was built in 1852 and has stood still since 2010. Maintenance of the jibs is urgently needed, but the stone substructure is also in urgent need of repair. This cycling route is offered to you by the TOP Route Networks Foundation (formerly the South Holland Tourist Board). More information about TOP routes can be found at: www.toproutenetwerk.nl