The best cycling routes in Boswachterij Gees

Boswachterij Gees offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 350 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including nearly 200 easy routes, 130 moderate routes, and 24 more challenging trails.

You'll experience a diverse landscape featuring expansive heathlands, green forests, and sandy paths. The area is dotted with fens, such as the significant Mekelermeer, a pingo ruin from the last ice age, and the meandering Geeserstroom brook valley. You might also spot Scottish Highlanders grazing, helping to maintain the open heathlands.

The touring cycling routes in Boswachterij Gees are generally considered easy, with gentle elevations. Many routes are suitable for recreational cyclists, such as the Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas – Heathland of Mantingerzand loop from Klinkenberg, which is an easy 11.6-mile (18.7 km) ride. However, there are also moderate and a few difficult options for those seeking more of a challenge.

Yes, for those looking for a distinctive experience, the Tilweg Cobblestone Section in the Geesbos offers a well-maintained cobblestone stretch, known from the UCI 'Ronde van Drenthe' road race. You can ride on the cobbles or use a parallel sandy strip for a smoother journey.

The heathlands in Boswachterij Gees are particularly stunning during their blooming season, typically late summer (August-September), when they transform into a sea of purple. Spring and early summer also offer pleasant cycling conditions with lush greenery.

Along the routes, you can discover several points of interest. The Mekelermeer is a significant geological monument. You can also visit the Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas to observe diverse birdlife. Historical elements like prehistoric burial mounds are also scattered throughout the landscape, and the Bridge Over the Geeserstroom offers a picturesque spot.

Yes, many routes in Boswachterij Gees are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Heathland of Mantingerzand – Mantingerzand loop from Nieuw-Balinge, an easy 11.0-mile (17.6 km) path that traverses open heathland.

Absolutely. The region's generally easy terrain and well-maintained paths make it suitable for family cycling. Many routes are designed for leisurely tours, allowing families to enjoy the natural beauty without excessive challenge. The varied landscapes keep the ride engaging for all ages.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 950 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse natural scenery, including the quiet heathlands and forests, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere away from more tourist-heavy regions.

Yes, the proximity to charming Drenthe villages like Gees, Oosterhesselen, Meppen, and Zweeloo offers excellent opportunities for cultural stops and refreshments during your touring cycling trips. The Old Aalden Heritage Village – Church of Zweeloo loop from Boswachterij Gees, for instance, leads through historical villages where you can find local amenities.

Yes, Boswachterij Gees is rich in wildlife. The fens and waterways attract diverse birdlife, including ducks, geese, swans, herons, and spoonbills. The Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas is a particularly good spot for observing birds. You might also encounter Scottish Highlanders grazing in the heathlands.

Route lengths vary, offering options for different preferences. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas – Heathland of Mantingerzand loop from Klinkenberg at 11.6 miles (18.7 km), or longer rides such as the Geeserveld Wetlands – Church of Zweeloo loop from Mantinge, which spans 21.7 miles (34.9 km).