The Oostwaardpad, on the edge of National Park the Biesbosch, is a walk across farmland that our volunteer Lianne discovered this summer. One of those hiking trails that you want to take everyone on because you're so enthusiastic about it yourself.
The Oostwaardpad, on the edge of National Park the Biesbosch, is a walk across farmland that our volunteer Lianne discovered this summer. One of those hiking trails that you want to take everyone on because you're so enthusiastic about it yourself.
A mostly unpaved path takes you along creeks where you can spot kingfishers and beavers. A small ferry, several small bridges and narrow paths through characteristic grienden give much variety to this route. In the grienden you will find the Jannezand wickerworkers' hut. It can be reached on foot or by canoe and is managed by the Forestry Commission. You can spend the night here for free. For the real adventurer, because although the location is idyllic, the hut is very remote. Who dares?
After the grienden it's time for the vast fields, along the field edges all sorts of things can be seen. Rows full of potatoes, onions, cabbages, corn and grains. Regularly you will see some hares running across the fields and if you are very quiet a roe deer can cross your path.
Be sure to visit Fort Bakkerskil. Here you will be taken back in time by means of QR codes on top of the fort. Afterwards you can have something tasty on the terrace and you can even stay overnight!
After a considerable distance on unpaved paths, the miles along the Buitendijk in Hank are a welcome change. Beautiful dike houses, fruit trees and sheep mean you have plenty to see here too.
Tip: Stay longer in the region and also visit Biesbosch MuseumEiland and the fortified town of Woudrichem, part of Unesco World Heritage, Hollandse Waterlinies and the Fortified Town Triangle.
Hiking the same route as Lianne?
📍 You can start from, among other places, Natuurpoort Docks Visserhang (Visserhang 2 in Hank) or Fort Bakkerskil (Kildijk 143 in Nieuwendijk).
🕒 The total length of the route is 23 kilometers, but this can be shortened to detours of 7.5 km, 8.5 km and 15 km.
🪧 This route of ANV Altena Biesbosch is marked with white/green shields with a blue arrow.
🐕 Dogs are not allowed on this route, you walk on private farmland.
Download the route from: www.biesboschlinie.com/routes/oostwaardpad
Text and image via Lianne Verbeek - van Wette