Geestmerambacht - tour of Kleimeer

This route goes through the extensive Geestmerambacht recreation area: you walk around the (not accessible) Kleimeer nature reserve of Staatsbosbeheer.

Along the way you will pass two viewpoints (shortly after junction 64 and a little before hiking junction 51), for a beautiful view of the area.

Clay Lake

Contrary to what the name suggests, Kleimeer is not a lake at all. It once was, but in 1567 this lake, located in North Holland just above Alkmaar, was emptied by mills. The agricultural land that was created here has now made way for nature and many birds.

In summer you can see marsh harriers here in search of food for their young. Other breeding birds of the Kleimeer include reed bunting, bearded man, water rail and mustache. And in winter, when the land is barren, the bittern sometimes shows up in the early morning. But more often he can be heard alone: his dull whooping sound is more like a cross between a steamboat and the lowing of a cow in the distance.

About the Kleimeer nature reserve: https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/uit-in-de-natuur/locations/kleimeer

About the Geestmerambacht recreation area: https://www.geestmerambacht.nl/

You can shorten the walk by about 1 km:

Walk in the north at junction 56 directly to junction 57 (junctions 55-60-64 will then be cancelled).

Tip: there is a viewpoint between junctions 57 and 64, you could take a look there.