CYCLING ROUTE · DRENTHE
Cycling Route Rug van Zuidwolde and Reest Valley
Cycle through a varied landscape of winding stream valleys, flower-rich meadows, historic hedgerows, forests, heathlands and tranquil pools.
The Landscape
The Rug van Zuidwolde is a distinctive sandy ridge formed during the penultimate Ice Age. Around Zuidwolde, the gently undulating landscape combines woodland strips, open fields and heathland edges. Toward Staphorst, the scenery changes into a characteristic strip landscape with long, narrow fields, drainage ditches and farmyards.
Between Zuidwolde and Staphorst lies the Reest Valley, an ancient border landscape between Drenthe and Overijssel. The meandering Reest flows through hay meadows, flower-rich pastures and wet grasslands, bordered by hedgerows and coppice woodlands. Quiet roads and historic farmsteads give the valley its distinctive small-scale character.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
Sheltered forests and open heathland alternate on the Rug van Zuidwolde, with gentle elevation changes adding variety.
Estates and Heritage
Historic farmsteads, old farmhouses, church paths and distinctive field boundaries reflect centuries of land use.
Polders and Farmlands
Hay meadows, flower-rich pastures and long narrow fields create an open, small-scale rural landscape.
Rivers and Streams
The winding Reest runs through the valley, with wet grasslands, natural banks and meadows adding to its character.
Virtual Cycling Through the Rug van Zuidwolde and Reest Valley
Experience the Rug van Zuidwolde from home, with gently undulating sandy terrain, forests, heathland and open fields. The route continues through the Reest Valley, where winding streams, flower-rich meadows and quiet country roads create a peaceful cycling experience.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 74 at the Leeuwenveenseweg in Veeningen. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Route Details
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
Discover More Cycling Routes
Explore more Drenthe landscapes and find your next cycling adventure in nature.
EXPLORE ALL CYCLING ROUTES IN DRENTHE →
