{"id":17822,"date":"2024-05-03T11:46:29","date_gmt":"2024-05-03T09:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=17822"},"modified":"2024-05-03T11:46:29","modified_gmt":"2024-05-03T09:46:29","slug":"hospitable-west-zeeuws-vlaanderen-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/gastvrij-west-zeeuws-vlaanderen","title":{"rendered":"A salty gravel adventure \u2013 West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen"},"content":{"rendered":"

A vast expanse lies before us. As we make long strides across a craggy gravel path, a light breeze blows in our faces. The sun shines on this spring day. This is Zeeland-West Flanders at its best. W<\/code>This is Zeeland-West Flanders, to be exact. A piece of the Netherlands with its own identity. Here Zeeland and Flanders come together. A touch of Burgundian charm, but in the countryside. Flat roads, but also gravel roads. A coastline that is popular with many, but where you can find the tranquility of the countryside that you don\u2019t find in the Randstad. This route takes you on a muddy gravel adventure, along the beautiful coastline of West Zeeland-West Flanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Zeeland Bolus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Casses are perfect for gravel biking<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sluis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A sweet sticky Zeeuwse delicacy, with a name that sometimes makes you frown. The Zeeuwse Bolus, a beloved companion of a good cup of coffee. Bakery Sint Paulus<\/a> In Sluis, they know how to handle it. If you\u2019re going to go for an extra calorie bomb anyway, this one is definitely worth it. It\u2019s no coincidence that this is also the starting point of our route. Is there such a thing as coincidence? I don\u2019t think so. Sluis is definitely a beautiful place to stop by. With the city wall, the picturesque center, and the name of a culinary hotspot, Sluis is the place to stop by!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9Fresh Frame<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vanished Zwinhavens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The region around Bruges and Sluis was a prosperous commercial metropolis in the 12th and 13th centuries. The sea connection with Bruges, there were several \u2018Zwin havens\u2019. The Zwin, a natural area that is mostly located in Belgium<\/a>, But also partly in the Netherlands, this is a wonderful treasure trove. Here you can spot birds, you literally cross the border and you are in a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Global Geopark<\/a>. Not too bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re going cycling here, you\u2019ll be passing by the water. It\u2019s sometimes a matter of dodging a few other cyclists, but on the wide gravel paths that\u2019s no problem at all. A stop at the visitor center of the Zwin for a rest or a small \u2018apero\u2019 is highly recommended. Further along you\u2019ll find Boerenverdriet. Actually, it\u2019s a three-way intersection, with a hill and a border post on it. A sign for \u2018Boerenverdriet\u2019, with the explanation for the name nicely explained on the site of Gastvrij Zeeuws-Vlaanderen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View over the Nature Reserve Het Zwin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boerenland is perfect for gravel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a commuter, I used to make some bad jokes about less populated areas in the Netherlands. Let\u2019s call it youthful ignorance. In recent years, I\u2019ve been repeatedly surprised by the beauty of \u2018the farming country\u2019. Because let\u2019s be honest: many gravel roads or cobbled lanes are originally peasant paths. There is therefore a strong correlation between less populated areas and good gravel routes. City gravel is still a gimmick and for the most beautiful gravel routes in the Netherlands you\u2019ll soon find yourself in the Achterhoek, Drenthe and\u2026 West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen! Two-lane gravel paths stretching for kilometers that make even the average gravel enthusiast drool. We\u2019re also spoiled in this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If this doesn't invite to gravel riding, what does?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fortifications, churches and squares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the Zeeland-Flemish region you will find not only kilometers of gravel roads, but also a number of beautiful sights. Pay special attention to the walls of Retranchement, the church, the wall (and the walls) around Sluis, and the church tower of St. Anna ter Muiden that you can see in the distance. The towers of the church form landmarks in the distance. In the past, it was easy to orient yourself, but even now it is useful, especially if you get lost on the way. Furthermore, it is a nice change of pace in the typical lowland, which is so characteristic of Zeeland. In that lowland you will also find many streets with cobblestones, also known as kasseien. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The lighthouse at Breskens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The tower of Saint Anna ter Muiden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Another beautiful crinkle-shaped trail along the coast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along the coast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As sung by the Zeeland band Bl\u00f8f, the Zeeland coast is truly beautiful. In this route, you cover a large part of this coastline, starting from Hoofdplaat, via Breskens and then all the way to Cadzand. The wind will always be a factor, but when there is storm, you will have to squint a little. I myself always find water and the sea magical. It is incredible to see this natural phenomenon and to think that Zeeland has such a special and sometimes dark historical relationship with water. Often deployed during times of war, but also that first February night in 1953. That is why following the coastline is a must-do. It also makes a lovely addition to the route!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cHere on the coast, the Zeeland coast\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tips and the route itself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n