Cycling in Schouwen-Duiveland
Written by: Zeeland.com
As a cycling guide, Leo has clocked up more than enough kilometres in Schouwen-Duiveland, whether it be on a racing bike, a mountain-bike, or a fat bike. The chosen means depends on the route and the conditions, of course. He and a friend like to tour the whole of the island by racing bike. In this blog, we join Leo on one of his shorter cycling trips in Schouwen-Duiveland. Read on ...
1. Starting point in Renesse
Leo’s cycle routes always start and finish at the Bed & Breakfast he runs in the centre of Renesse. From here we head past Vroonplas, a small lake formed by the excavation of sand used for the construction of roads after the Great Flood of 1953. Would you like to know more about this flood? If so, why not cycle a little way further via Plan Tureluur in the direction of Zierikzee and beyond to Ouwerkerk where you can visit the Watersnoodmuseum?
2. Burgh-Haamstede
For the time being however, we follow a route through the dunes towards Burgh-Haamstede. This is a tourist village in the Kop van Schouwen, at the westernmost extremity of the island, which affords a view of the 50-metre-plus tall Westerlicht lighthouse. The bunker in the Slotbos woodland near Haamstede is a relic from the Second World War. If you’re feeling energetic, cycle your way to the top. Otherwise walk up the steps. Once you’re at the top, take a breather and catch your breath.
3. Along the Oosterschelde estuary
The Oosterschelde flood defences can be reached through a mix of dunes and woodland in Westerschouwen. This is by far and away the most impressive of the Delta Works. At waymarker point 71, head towards Burghsluis, a delightful route which takes you along the shores of the Oosterschelde This is Leo’s favourite section and simply shouldn’t be missed if you’re cycling in Schouwen-Duiveland. The marshland behind the main dyke has a natural beauty all of its own. Not unimportantly, for a cyclist the wind is usually from behind.
4. Plompe Toren viewpoint
The Oosterschelde estuary is well-known for its oysters. It’s popular with wading and seabirds because of the shellfish which inhabit these waters. The surface of the path is littered with broken oyster shells. In the harbour, the ‘De Onrust’ cruiser awaits passengers to take to popular viewing spots for seals on the sandbanks. Highly recommended! The Plompe Toren is the last remaining vestige of the village of Koudekerke which disappeared under the water in one of the many great floods. The Plompe Toren is open every day, so well worth a visit and a good moment to take a breather.
5. Noordwelle
The cable ferry in the circular village of Noordwelle is an ideal place to break your journey. Pull yourself and your bike to the other side and then cycle through the fields to the village. From there, you’re within spitting distance of Renesse. In the distance you can see the castle of Slot Moermond, the church in Haamstede and a little nearer by, the church in Renesse. It’s just a short ride round the village and then, tired but content, it’s time for home.
Cycling in Schouwen-Duiveland is varied and it’s hard to get enough of it. There’s lots more possibilities and impressive routes to cycle in Schouwen-Duiveland, which take in wildlife reserves, historic monuments and picturesque villages. We’ve listed some of them here:
