Waal Dyke, Nijmegen
Distance 47km
Starting point: Nijmegen train station
Nijmegen cycle route takes you along the banks of the River Waal to the German border and the head of the Rhine Delta. A must see is Nijmegen, which featured heavily in World War II. From the bicycle bridge over the River Waal, you will see lovely views over Nijmegen.
It is quick to cycle out of this center on the Waal. Very shortly you have left the hustle and bustle of the city for the peace of nature itself in the Gelderse Poort. Over the Ooijse Bandijk you ride along the Oude Waal, a haven if you are a bird watcher.
You will pass through few small hamlets such as Lent and Gendt,Tiengeboden and Greenlands, you will then follow Ooijse Bandijk to the Waal, one of the major rivers of Holland.
You can visit the medieval castle and Fort Pannerden and at Millingen ride a ferry to the south bank of the river, which you then follow back to Nijmegen, cycling leaisurly through nature reserves Millingerwaard and Ooijpolder. This is where you wil see the floodplains. Excellent for nature lovers and bird spotting.
There is an alternative route for when it is high water. The ferry at Millingen will not operate if the water is too high. The next crossing is the bridge in Emmerich, 15 km upstream. If if this does not appeal to you, you will have to go the same way back and cross the river at Nijmegen.
Sometimes at high water, part of the cycle paths through the Ooijpolder and Millingerwaard could be closed and you will have to stay on the dyke. Do not let this stop you from cycling this route because the landscape is stupendous when the river is flooded and the dyke provides you with splendid views.
More Information
Bicycle Rental: https://www.holland-cycling.com/tips-and-info/services/bicycle-rental
Map:
Refreshments
Try this route: Amsterdam Forest (Amsterdamse Bos).
