Cycling between the Grevelingenmeer and the Oosterschelde

Beautiful views over the water, a nice breath of fresh air and the beautiful polder within the dikes: Schouwen-Duivenland is a bit of the Netherlands in miniature. The island once consisted of four islands (Schouwen, Duivenland, Dreischor and Bommenede) that have grown together thanks to nature and human intervention. Schouwen-Duivenland is a flat island, some parts of which are below sea level. On the western tip there is a dune area with the highest peak about 42 meters above sea level. This tour takes you through the middle of the island. Along the beach, but also along fields, meadows and through cozy villages. You cycle east along the beach on the north side of the island. First you cycle along the North Sea, past the Brouwersdam along the Grevelingenmeer, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe. The Grevelingen was once an arm of the North Sea, since the closure some sandbanks have turned into islands. Such as the uninhabited Hompelvoet, where fjord horses graze. During the breeding season, the island is off-limits, and is then guarded by a bird watcher. In Brouwershaven, you pass the De Haan mill, a low tower mill from 1724. Despite the fact that the mill was already low, it was later made even lower. The tower was removed and the sails were lowered, making it a ground-sailer. Via the Drieschorpolder, you continue your route to Zierikzee, a pleasant city with no fewer than 568 monuments. It is not without reason that the beautiful Zierikzee has a protected cityscape. You continue to the Oosterschelde National Park. Just before Serooskerke, you cycle through the Schelphoek nature reserve. This area was created after the flood disaster of 1953. At first, the hole in the dike at this location did not seem too bad, but it turned out to be one of the largest dike breaches. A four-kilometre ring dike was built around the area, which was closed with caissons. The last caisson that was added still protrudes above the dike and is an excellent vantage point. The water-rich nature reserve consists of riverbanks, bird-rich creeks and beautifully landscaped woodlands. Before you drive back into the polder at Serooskerke, you can see the Plompe Toren in the distance. This is the only remnant of the village of Koudekerke that was swallowed up by the waves at the end of the sixteenth century. The restored tower is now an information centre about the history, legends and nature of the region. The tower offers a wide view of the surrounding nature reserve. This route starts and ends at Landhuis Sere in picturesque Noordwelle. The country house is located in the middle of a large private estate with forest, lawns and terraces. You can spend the night here in a relaxed manner. The five rooms are equipped with every luxury. As a guest you can use the sauna, jacuzzi, bar and swimming pool. There is a tree house and trampoline for the children. And of course the beach is not far away. You can complete your visit to Schouwen-Duivenland by also driving route 144206 the next day.