New Dutch Waterline

  • The Netherlands
  • South Holland
  • Gorinchem
  • 49.53 km (Approximately 02:54 u)
  • Cycling route 114887
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New Dutch Waterline

  • The Netherlands
  • South Holland
  • Gorinchem
  • 49.53 km (Approximately 02:54 u)
  • Cycling route 114887

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 was previously 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 receive 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

Directions

# Description Distance
TOP Gorinchem (Boulevard, 4201CT, Gorinchem, South Holland, The Netherlands) 0.00 km
50
50 (4201CT, Gorinchem, South Holland, The Netherlands) 0.12 km
Nooit Volmaakt (4201JJ, Gorinchem, South Holland, The Netherlands) 0.93 km
53
53 (4206BA, Gorinchem, South Holland, The Netherlands) 1.67 km
39
39 (Onderweg, 4241XE, Molenlanden, South Holland, The Netherlands) 4.18 km
26
26 (4207HB, Gorinchem, South Holland, The Netherlands) 5.50 km

Sights

Nooit Volmaakt


4201JJ Gorinchem
http://www.allemolens.nl

After a heavy storm in 1717 the mill was destroyed, the owner decided to build a stone flour mill. This mill was also destroyed in 1889, this time by fire. The restoration was done with parts from the Nooit Perfect mill. This was already out of use.

Molen Ter Leede

Ter Leede 2
4142 LD Vijfheerenlanden
http://www.allemolens.nl

It was not until 1985 that the mill was given the name Ter Leede, named after the water board that was established in 1915. With this, the original name Voormolen or Voorste Molen will probably be forgotten forever. In 2006 a torn midsummer was replaced. The front of the upper house and various beams were also restored. After which in 2007 the mill was festively put back into use.

Fort Asperen

Gebouw C 60
4151 BR West Betuwe
http://spannendegeschiedenis.nl/leven-langs-de-linie/asperen-fort-asperen

Curious about mysterious water cellars, half-hidden bunkers and overgrown depots? Get on your bike, put on your walking shoes and visit KunstFort Asperen, a monumental place where art and culture are displayed in a beautiful landscape of the New Dutch Waterline. In our Tavern - on a picturesque part of the walls - you can enjoy coffee and cake, lunch or drinks. The fort is open from mid-April to September, the Taveerne all year round, opening times can be found on the website www.kunstfortasperen.nl.

Jan van Arkel

Jan van Arkel
4241TB Molenlanden
http://www.allemolens.nl

The most famous windmill type in the Netherlands. Windmills were not only used to produce flour from cereals, but also for draining polder areas. Natural energy. The most famous windmills can be found in Kinderdijk, which have truly been set up as a polder model. A must see!

Provided by:

VVV