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Distance: 33 kilometres
Signs: Hexagonal signs (ANWB)
Starting points include Durgerdam, Broek in Waterland and Uitdam
The buildings of Amsterdam stop abruptly at the A10 motorway, where the Waterland region stretches out ‘pale green and marshy, with nothing in it and the stubby tower of Ransdorp in the distance'. Nescio’s description, dating from 1917 is still easily recognisable.
So has nothing changed in Waterland? It certainly has: Amsterdam has swallowed up parts of it and the remainder is under pressure from the city. To avoid the loss of Waterland, zoning plans have been introduced. Parts of the area have been made suitable for modern agriculture by lowering the water table, plot exchanges and road surfacing. In around 40% of the surface area, conservation takes priority. New pumping stations have been built, so that each agricultural and conservation area can be given its own water level. In East Waterland, many reserves are managed by the Forestry Commission. Here, farmers help to give meadow birds as many chances as possible (for a fee). This means delaying mowing and grazing. The effect is visible in May, when black-tailed godwits fly soar above the cycle paths.
Ask at the Reception Desk for more information.
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