Discover Walcheren

There is a peninsula in the western part of Zeeland where you can enjoy the vastness of the province while cycling through the landscape. You can see the North Sea, the Western Scheldt and the Veerse Meer. From 1958 onwards, the Delta Works were also constructed here to prevent future flooding after the flood disaster. This also made Walcheren accessible to the rest of the Netherlands. Now you can cycle through the fields, meadows and fields and enjoy the vastness of the landscape. You will immediately notice that agriculture plays a major role in this area and you will be amazed by the different colors and crops on the plots. The route starts at the supermarket on the Kerkring in Grijpskerke. In the supermarket you can buy a delicious sandwich, a savory snack or a refreshing bottle of drink, so that you can keep your energy up during your bike ride. Then you leave in a southwesterly direction. You will soon come across the Welvaaren mill. This former flour mill was built in 1801 and replaced a standard mill that had blown down. History has not been kind to this mill either; In 1845 the sails of the mill blew off, so that it was later dismantled and only the mill hull remained. Because people lived in the hull who later added parts to the mill, the mill can no longer operate even after restoration. The Meliskerkse mill is located about five kilometers further in Meliskerke. This round, stone ground sailor also dates from 1801. The flour mill was built at the time to replace a post mill, which blew over during a heavy storm. The mill ground grain until 1954, but then fell into disrepair until it was restored in 1987. Anyone who is curious about how the mill works can visit it on Saturdays. You cycle through the rural polder of Walcheren further and further west and when you arrive at the mill in Zoutelande, you can't help but smell the salty sea air. The mill from 1722 looms on the horizon as you approach the village. The Zoutelande mill was built after its predecessor was blown over. The ground sailor still grinds grain, but nowadays does so with a miller who works on a volunteer basis. When you leave the village behind you, the route follows the coastline. For example, you cycle around Westkapelle through Domburg to Westhove Castle, located between Domburg and Oostkapelle. The castle was already mentioned in 1277 as the property of the Middelburg Abbey, but it probably existed much longer. The castle has had many owners, because every time a new abbot came, the name was changed. With beautiful towers, the robust castle and the green, carefully landscaped estate surrounding it are a feast for the eyes. After cycling another ten kilometers, you return to the supermarket. Before you go home to rest, you can buy all the ingredients you need here to prepare a delicious meal. This way you can enjoy the wonderful day outdoors at your own dining table.