LAW 9-1 (09) Hardenberg - Ommen

Vechtdal - After Coevorden you walk through the river valley of the tamed Vecht; with the current to Ommen. Now through meadowland closer to the river; then again through forests where it is a bit higher and drier. The Vecht is no longer of any significance to commercial shipping. Remnants of towpaths are now used as walking or cycling paths. The landscape value of the Vecht and its wooded river dunes is great. The river valley itself has important natural values, especially in the cut-off meanders, where the original river valley flora flourishes. In many places, these meanders are reconnected to the river and the stone covering of the main stream is removed. The entire Vecht valley is an ecological connecting zone where flora and fauna must be able to move freely. The quality of the water and fish stocks have improved greatly in recent years. Fish ladders have been constructed at the weirs. The best time to see fish is March, when the ide moves to the upstream spawning grounds.