Investigate and find the gnome children's nuggets
One day, Gnome Clogmaker was hard at work with a large order of gnome clogs in all kinds of cheerful colors. It was gnome school vacation and his children were bored. He made some extra nuggets and decided to set out a fun route in the forest for his children and their friends so they would have something fun to do. He marked the route with the brightly colored nuggets and at each stop he made up an assignment. The assignments were fun and educational for the gnome children; after all, they must be very good at running, recognizing trees and knowing a lot about the environment. The children spent the entire vacation playing in nature, and Gnome Clogmaker was finally able to finish his work.
The gnome vacation is over, but the route is still there, for another vacation. And good news, the kids in Altena get to use the trail all year, too. Will you join us?
In cooperation with Brabant Landscape.
Starting point: Parking lot intersection Wilgenhof/Parallelweg Giessen
Find the nugget with the correct number and perform the tasks below there:
1. Who is fastest, left or right?
Will it be left or will it be right? Pick a side and find out which of you is fastest. 3, 2, 1... GO!
2. Over the hills
How adventurous are you? Find the path through the hills and go over them. Listen carefully! Can you hear the leaves in the wind?
3. Find the trees in love
Even trees sometimes fall in love! Some trees under the ground hold each other's roots, and others give each other hugs above the ground. Can you find the trees in love in the Almbos? They are an alder and an elm.
4. Time for a game
Guess the Tree - Close your eyes, and be taken to a tree. Feel, smell: is the tree thick, thin, does moss grow on it, is it wet, what kind of smell does it have? Ready? Let yourself be taken back to the path. Open your eyes again - can you now discover which tree it was?
Are you with 3 or more people? Then you can play tree swapping. Everyone stands by a tree, except the ticker. He stands in the middle. Then you switch trees: you make eye contact with someone at another tree, and then run fast to each other's tree. But be careful! If you're not near a tree, the ticker may tap you. If you succeed, you become the ticker. Play until you are tired.
5. Tracking
Gnomes are super good trackers. How about you? Do you see tracks in the forest? Paw prints, scratch and gnaw marks, half-eaten plants, nuts or pine cones, or maybe a tuft of fur? Which animal do you think the track belongs to? And while you're tracking, where would you hide if you were a gnome?
6. Break and Find Leaves
Find leaves on the ground and place them on the table from small to large. Do you know which tree or shrub they belong to? See how big the trees are here? You can have fun playing hide and seek there.
7. At the circus
Balancing can be learned! Walk across this tube.
8. Listen carefully
Gnomes are not only good at tracking, they also have very good ears. Be very quiet? Can you hear which animals live here? With your eyes closed you can listen even better.
9. Aged tree
This thick tree is a hornbeam. The wood of hornbeams is very hard. So hard that wheels used to be made from it, which is why it is called a wheel tree. Because this tree is so thick, we think it is very old, but we don't know exactly how old. How old do you think the tree is? What would this tree have been through?
10. Spot the kingfisher
The kingfisher is a striking bird because of its blue and orange appearance. Can you find one? When they fly by you only see a 'blue streak'. Many birds make their nest from branches and fluff, but did you know that the kingfisher digs tunnels at least half a meter deep? This is where the female lays her eggs. Sit on the bench and peer at the water, maybe you'll get lucky and a kingfisher will pass by. Not seen one? Then be sure to come back again!
Walk this gnome trail at your own risk.
Nodes: 40 - 56 - 54 -52 - 50 - 51 - 59 - 57 - 53 - 67 - 71 - 41 - 40
Number of km: 39 km
Starting point: Nature Gate Fort Altena near node 40
Near node 40 Start and end point route at the Brabantse Natuurpoort Fort Altena
Tol 8, 4251 PX Werkendam
Fort Altena dates from 1847-1850, making it the oldest of the four Brabant forts in the New Dutch Waterline. It is also the only tower fort of these four forts.
The tower of Fort Altena owes its name mainly to its round shape, not to its height. It consists of 2 layers: a basement and a first floor. The walls are "bombproof" and nearly 2 meters thick, as protection against artillery strikes. Ironically, when these walls were completed, they had already been overtaken by developments in the arms industry. They were never truly bomb-proof.
In 1878, the fort was substantially rebuilt and expanded to three times its original size. It also changed its name: henceforth it was called "Fort aan den Uppelschen Dijk.
Tip: Regular tours of Fort Altena.
Tip: Between node 56 and 54 (just off the route) Duyls Bos - location Almkerk
Open from Thursday to Sunday from 11.00 - 16.00 hrs.
The Duyls Bos is a gem yet to be discovered. You easily bike or walk past it without ever knowing what lurks among the trees.
How to get there. At node 56, turn left at the intersection across Emmikhovenseweg, then turn right onto Duijlweg (you'll pass the Duyls Bos on the left), then turn right onto Midgraaf and left onto Provincialeweg Zuid to pick up the route towards node 54 here. Note: if you visit this location, you extend the bike route by about 2.6 km.
Between nodes 52 and 54
You pass a traditional clog factory. Here you can come during the day for a cup of coffee and a visit to the clog store. Demonstrations in the clog-making shop are by reservation only. Go back in time with Prisca's blog and discover the clog-making shop and Duyls Bos.
Between node 52 and 50
Between 52 and 50, on Wilhelminastraat, there is a rest area and a water tap of Brabant Water. For this you have to deviate about 100 meters from the route.
Near node 52 you will find Kasteel Dussen
Address: Binnen 1-4, 4271 BV Dussen
Open on sunday afternoon
In the late 14th century, the original "donjon," a four-story residential tower, was expanded into a castle by various descendants of the van der Dussen family. In the course of time, the castle changed hands regularly and various (noble) families added floors, additions and extensions and a Tuscan colonnade. Over the centuries the castle has suffered many misfortunes, the lowest being the St. Elisabeth flood and various wars. From 1954 to 1997 the castle served as the town hall, after which it came into the hands of Monuments Fund Brabant.
Between 50, 51 and 59 you cycle along the Bergsche Maas
Behind the dike is the Bergsche Maas. This begins at Welle and flows past the fortified town of Geertruidenberg towards Hollands Diep.
Between node 53 and 67
You drive over a small bridge here onto a semi-paved path through Pompveld.
Tip! Park your bike at the Pompveld and walk from here through/around the Pompveld, about 5 km.
Nature Reserve Pompveld
In the early 1960s this region was virtually smoothed over by large-scale land consolidation, a disaster for nature and landscape. Only one polder escaped the dance.
The Pompveld is about 240 acres, a reserve of wet meadows, willow and poplar forests, an oasis of peace and quiet. The Pompveld is not freely accessible, but you can walk around the Pompveld (6 km). With a little luck, you will see deer, hawks or egrets during that walk. Who you certainly won't see is the mud creeper hiding in the water. Centrally located in the Pompveld, a historic duck decoy is maintained where professional decoy workers work during open days.
At node 67
Picnic benches
Junction 71 Uitwijk
Here you will find a water tap of Brabant Water and a small square with benches
Between node 40 and 41
You pass Landgoed Kraaiveld, where breads and cakes from baker Hardeman, fresh organic vegetables from the estate and juices are sold. You also pass the 2 windmills near Uppel.
The Liniepad is a hiking trail that starts at the Papsluis lock and ends in the fortified town of Woudrichem. Along the way you will encounter the southernmost forts of Unesco World Heritage Hollandse Waterlinies. They are owned by Brabants Landschap. Bakkerskil and Altena have a recreational function. But you also encounter locks and mills and walk through beautiful natural areas and a new estate. The restored casemates have been given a special function as bird-watching huts or winter quarters for bats.
The Fortified Town Triangle: one day, five places, three provinces
An active day of soaking up culture? Visit the Vesting Triangle! The Vesting Triangle is the area between the fortresses of Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. Grab your bike, hop on the ferry, and your adventure can begin!
Ferry and foot ferry
All locations in the fortified town triangle are connected by water. Take the Riveer ferries across the Maas, Waal, Linge and Merwede rivers from fortified town to fortified town to fortified town. In high season, you get on almost every half hour, and your bike can come along for free. Missed a boat? The water cab is waiting for you, or take the foot ferry: a small boat especially for walkers. It takes you from Woudrichem to Slot Loevestein and back again.
Woudrichem
A picturesque fortified town, where history is still very much alive. Take a walking tour on your own, or let a city guide tell you all about its rich history.
Gorinchem
Gorinchem is the largest fortified city whose ramparts are still complete. Take a walk along the ramparts, past the Dalempoort, cannons and windmills. But also be sure to visit the bustling city center!
Fort Vuren
This Tower Fort was built in 1845, as part of the New Dutch Waterline. The fort was recently fully restored, and has since been used as a catering and accommodation facility. Guided tours are available by appointment.
Tip: Inside the fort, visit WWII & Airmen Museum. This museum is part of the Route Second World War: Honoring Allied Airmen Lingewaal.
Slot Loevestein
The famous castle from which Hugo the Great escaped. With your personal key you will learn all about the Castle, its history and inhabitants.
Zaltbommel
Zaltbommel is also worth a visit. Wander through the center, visit the St. Maartenskerk or the Stadskasteel. In this museum, be sure not to miss the exhibition on Fiep Westendorp: the famous illustrator of Jip, Janneke, Otje, Pluk van de Pettenflat and Pim & Pom.
You can rent a (electric) bicycle from various rental locations. Contact the relevant party for availability and bike rental.
Biesbosch walk 10 - 14 km
De Biesbosch and water belong together like a kayak and paddle. From its first appearance after the Sint Elisabethflood in 1421 until today, the landscape in the Biesbosch has been defined by water. Yet the landscape has been transformed considerably in recent years. The Room for the River program changed our view of how we deal with water. We no longer just contain it, but give it space wherever possible. This results in dry feet and beautiful nature.
Strolling through The Pancake
To experience the wicker culture up close, a walk through De Pannekoek is highly recommended. You can deviate from the nodes here to have a nice stroll on the small paths. Some parts of this grove are maintained in the traditional way, others are not. There, nature is the boss and allowed a wild willow forest to develop.
Water buffalo in the Noordwaard
In the Noordwaard, water buffalo graze the areas outside the dikes, which is unique for the Netherlands. The buffalo feel very comfortable there. The area is wet, and they find plenty of food. The buffalo were released here for a specific purpose: they like to swim and travel long distances. Moreover, they are a lot bigger than Highland cattle or konik horses, which allows them to digest rough food such as old reeds or cattail, in places where other grazers do not come easily. It remains quite an experience to encounter one. Do keep enough distance. Water buffalo are not dangerous, but they are curious.
Polder Jantjesplaat
This polder is a piece of rugged wetland where agricultural polders were before 2013. A new piece of Biesbosch that has also already been discovered by the osprey and the bald eagle that like to hunt here.
Biesbosch museumeiland
At the Biesbosch MuseumEiland you can learn all about how we lived and live together with the water. From the first emergence after the St. Elisabeth Flood to smuggling routes in World War II, the exhibits cover it all.
Outside, you can experience for yourself how the Biesbosch prevents higher areas from flooding. In the scale model of the Biesbosch Beleving you can slide and turn knobs yourself to see how you influence the course of the water with polders and dikes.
After the walk, you can recover at museum café Biesonder over a cup of coffee or a sandwich.
ADDITIONAL TRIP
From node 10, extend your walk with a trip to De Wassende Maan. The round trip to this work of landscape art counts 4 km and is highly recommended. De Wassende Maan was designed by visual artist Paul de Kort. The artwork is a labyrinth of gullies and dikes. The water flows in and out with the tides; from the outside, in. A dynamic and natural work of art not to be missed.
To get there, follow nodes 10, 68 and 69.
The Pancake Bakery is the starting point (and ending point, delicious). This walk shows both the old (part of the New Dutch Waterline!) and the new Woudrichem, passes through the village of Oudendijk and returns to the fortified town via the dike along the Upper Merwede. It is a short route which leaves you time to visit the fortified town.
Of course, you can also just find your own way, it is not that big and there is plenty to see and do. Don't forget to explore the historic harbor or extend your walk with a visit to Slot Loevestein (located across the street) and take the foot ferry. The various stores, the mill and the Fisheries Museum in the fortified town are well worth a visit!
Overview of all our routes in the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie
This village has a special story to tell! The mill in the village, the Twee Gebroeders, grinds the flour for Gerard & Suus' bakery: an organic bakery with a creative baker who makes the most beautiful and delicious breads. And this bakery is your starting point!
You walk past the church towards Bergstraat. There you turn left and follow the directions of the node network. You walk to node 76. Between node 76 and 64 are (old varieties of) fruit trees, if ripe you may pick or gather the fruit. After this you come across several benches to quietly feast on all the goodies. Through the village you come back to Gerard & Suus, the end point of this route.
The hike begins at Fort Altena, a fort belonging to the New Dutch Waterline. Don't forget to explore this fort before or after your walk! You walk towards the village of Werkendam, where in the past and still today, inland navigation plays an important role. You walk towards mill De Vervoorne Polder, when it is running, it is open for viewing. The millers are happy to tell you their story! Then you head towards the Upper Merwede, a busy river. From the dike you have a good view of this. Through the underpass of the A27 you walk to the end point. Near the fort there are two windmills that can be visited when they are running. To do this, follow the Liniepad from the fort and you will pass them automatically.
Overview of all our routes in the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie
Short route, 8 km
This village has about 250 inhabitants, a real small core. You walk almost all the streets of this core. Along the Waardhuizenseweg there are fruit trees on the unbuilt side of the street, when the fruit is ripe you can pick it. You walk along the river Alm with benches designed by artists from the region to the end point.
Long route 15.5
On this route you also pass the picking trees on the Waardhuizenseweg. After crossing the village, turn right towards Pompveld. This road is not a nice walk, there is hard driving by cars, but it is the only way to get to the beautiful nature reserve. You stroll along the edges of this nature reserve, the core of the area is for wildlife. A wonderful rest area with wonderful places to picnic and enjoy!
You start at the mill of Veen. An enthusiastic team of millers takes care of this mill with heart and soul. They make the most delicious mixes so you can bake something tasty at home. Overlooking the river, you walk towards junction 20, where you enter the built-up area of Veen. Along the way you come across several benches for a nice picnic. You walk past museum De Wolfsburcht, where air-cooled Volkswagens define the collection; a special stop along the route! Via the Maasdijk (or make a side trip via Het Wijkerzand nature reserve) you walk back to the mill.