CYCLING ROUTE · GRONINGEN
Cycling Route Valley of the Ruiten Aa and Peat Colonies
Cycle through the Ruiten Aa Valley and former peat colonies, where winding streams, wooded banks, open fields, canals and historic villages create a varied landscape in southeastern Groningen.
The Landscape
The Ruiten Aa Valley in Westerwolde is a remarkably varied stream landscape, where winding brooks flow through green meadows, ancient woods and heathland. Small ponds, wooded banks and quiet country roads create an intimate landscape with constantly changing views.
Further south and east, the landscape changes into the wide-open Peat Colonies, shaped by centuries of peat extraction. Long straight canals, drainage channels and ribbon villages create a distinctive linear landscape. Along the route, historic settlements and traces of the region's past add a strong cultural character to the cycling experience.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
Ancient woods, heathland and wooded stream banks give Westerwolde an intimate and varied character, with quiet paths and green surroundings.
Marshes and Peatlands
Wet meadows, marshy areas and former peatlands add a natural, water-rich character to the route, particularly around the stream valleys.
Polders and Farmlands
Open fields and agricultural land contrast with the wooded Westerwolde landscape, while long straight parcels reflect the reclamation of the former peatlands.
Rivers and Streams
The winding Ruiten Aa and smaller streams shape the landscape, flowing through meadows and wooded banks and giving the route its distinctive character.
Virtual Cycling Through the Ruiten Aa Valley and Peat Colonies
Experience the Ruiten Aa Valley and Peat Colonies from home, with winding streams, forests, heathland, open fields and long straight canals creating a varied cycling experience. The route combines the intimate landscape of Westerwolde with the open character of the former peat colonies.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish at cycling junction 24. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at another junction along the route.
Route Details
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
Discover More Cycling Routes
Explore more Groningen landscapes and find your next cycling adventure in nature.
EXPLORE ALL CYCLING ROUTES IN GRONINGEN →
