The land of Maas and Waal

Part of the bike ride you cycle on the banks of the two major rivers and your eyes are short of seeing the beautiful nature. You have a view of the romantic farmlands, the unique river landscape, the idyllic dike houses, but also of the striking and monumental buildings that can be found in the characteristic villages in this area.

The land of Maas en Waal was not opened up until late in the twentieth century, before that it was relatively isolated. This is due to its location between the Maas and Waal, which form a natural barrier. The ferries you encounter now form the connection to the'main\\\' land. Looking out over the water, you experience the power of the water and the importance of the dikes that protect the area against flooding.
The cycle route continues in the direction of the De Gouden Ham recreation area. This was created by the extraction of sand between 1960 and 1980. You will find campsites, beaches and there are many water sports options.

Definitely worth a visit is the monumental corn mill Maasbommel (hull/remainder). For centuries, farmers from the area brought their wheat to this mill. At the beginning of the last century, the mill fell into disrepair and in the 1920s the mill was dismantled: the sails were removed. In the remaining hull wheat was still ground with a diesel engine until the 1960s. After that, this mill fell into ruins. Partly thanks to subsidies from authorities, the mill was able to be restored to its former glory.

We follow part of the course of the river Maas. The Meuse has traditionally been an important river and is often used as a shipping route. The Meuse is a real rain river and is also regularly in the news in connection with flooding. During heavy rainfall, the water level can rise rapidly and the river overflows its banks.

From node 26 we cross over to the large and wild Dutch river Waal. You follow this to the village of Boven-Leeuwen. You cycle inland via De Gouden Ham back to your car.