Betuwe dike landscapes

If you are in good shape and do not shy away from a challenge, this is the suitable route for you. This 80 kilometer tour leads over the dikes of the Waal. The dikes were reinforced after the high water period in 1995, with the appearance and ecology of nature and landscape being paramount. Along the route you will come across several memorials that emphasize the rough and turbulent character of the river. The route starts in Tiel, where you can park your car for free. From the parking lot you cycle a short distance through the city, towards the river. Cross this, after which you keep the river on your right. You will pass smaller villages, including Dreumel, Heerewaarden and Rossum, but also more famous towns such as Zaltbommel. At Brakel you cross the river again. You now cycle back east over the dike, keeping the river on your left. In Haaften it is time for a short stop at the De Blauwe Reiger mill. This mill, which currently grinds livestock feed on a voluntary basis, was built in 1856. There used to be a post mill on this site, which was destroyed in April of that year. The mill was out of use between 1949 and 1952, but when it changed hands the mill was repaired and put back into operation. Just over half of the cycle route, you will find the last sight of the trip: Goudenstein Castle. Although... Goudenstein cannot really be called a castle, because the only remainder of the castle is the corner tower of 19 meters high. The castle was destroyed by the French in 1672. Before its destruction, Goudenstein consisted of a square house with small towers on the four corners and a moat around it.