With Manure and Fork Route according to Fanbassador Hanna De Meyer

At home in the Netherlands, a number of Fanbassadors set out to discover the most beautiful routes in the Netherlands. This is one of them. Fanbassador Hanna De Meyer came back with this report of the "With Manure and fork route".

Where Abraham gets the mustard must have been an empty saying during our cycling trip through this mustard country. It was not for nothing that we woke up in an old mustard factory that now serves as a hotel / restaurant.

The landscape is peppered with numerous canals that bear witness to the reclamation that formed the landscape centuries ago. The picturesque churches still bear witness to the fact that man has shaped nature to his will by raising the center of the residential areas. Some chapels and churches seem to have been plucked from a fairy tale.

We Flemings who are used to tarmac and concrete strips as roadways were again impressed by the charming red paved streets. These then presented themselves to guide you as a cyclist through streets with the most beautiful houses where time seemed to have stood still.

It was also culinary pleasant. Each junction took you to a new delicacy, fortress, farm or former factory where you could taste cheese, tea or other delicious local products . And indeed, here Abraham certainly got his mustard.

The common thread was always the water we followed, crossed or crossed on the numerous typical bicycle bridges that appeared in the middle of the landscape to take you to the other side of the water. Jacques Brel certainly got his inspiration to write his song "My flat land".

Water and air are the two antagonists surrounded by a landscape that makes you gaze endlessly. You can often enjoy the route by following hiking trails along the canals along which you cycle.

We were also in awe of the glorious farms that exude a grandeur of jewels. The long sloping roofs, the spherical gates and the extension or even full integration of the house into the barn. It seems as if someone has pulled the plug on time.

Practical

The route starts in Molenrij, not far from Herberg 'De Molenrij' or the Oude musterdfabriek. You can already enjoy a delicious menu inside or in the garden terrace with pond. Wonderful stay and the ideal end to a beautiful bike ride.

During our bike ride we were surprised by the gusts of wind, but the beautiful views alternating with beautiful villages and church towers soon made us forget the fight against the wind.

Findings

The cycle route was surprising: very good road markings (junctions) and beautifully maintained cycle paths.

Vast landscape, beautiful watercourses, beautiful shades of greenery, picturesque villages with neat streets and well-maintained gardens and houses.

Very striking everything very neat and tidy... yet in great contrast to our Belgian roads. With us (in Flanders) it is looking for views, for places nature without many houses and busy roads.

The route was a breath of fresh air...

What has also stayed with us are the typical farms where the barns have a connection to the house.