The best road cycling routes in Witterveld

Witterveld is primarily a heath and raised bog area, offering a unique natural setting. The terrain is generally flat, which is characteristic of much of the Drenthe province, making it ideal for road cycling. While the core of Witterveld is a military exercise area, dedicated cycling paths along its borders provide excellent opportunities to experience its distinct landscapes.

While Witterveld itself is largely flat, the wider Drenthe province offers more challenging options. For instance, the Col du VAM, a former landfill, has been transformed into a challenging cycling hill with an average gradient of 10% and a cobbled section reaching 15%. This provides a good test for advanced road cyclists looking for more demanding climbs in the region.

There are over 500 road cycling routes available in the Witterveld area on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with approximately 147 easy, 385 moderate, and 17 difficult options to choose from.

As you cycle along the borders of Witterveld, you can observe a diverse environment featuring moist and dry heath vegetations, active and recovering raised bog, and even some raised bog forests. The area is home to unique flora like bog gentian and round-leaved sundew, and contains rare high moor lakes. You'll also encounter the stream valley of the Witterdiep, a tributary of the Drentsche Aa.

The road cycling routes in Witterveld are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique natural setting, the well-maintained cycle paths, and the opportunity to experience the distinct heathland and raised bog landscapes.

Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. An example is the De Brink, Assen – Historic Alley in Assen loop from Assen, which is about 9.4 kilometers long. Another accessible option is the Roadbike loop from Assen, covering approximately 10.1 kilometers.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Witterveld area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular View of the Deurzerdiep – Hunebed D19 and D20 loop from TT Circuit Assen and the scenic Brown Café De Amer – Cycle Path Between the Meadows loop from Assen.

The generally flat terrain and extensive network of well-maintained cycle paths in the Drenthe province, bordering Witterveld, make it very suitable for family-friendly road cycling. Many easy and moderate routes are available, offering a pleasant experience for cyclists of all ages. Always check the specific route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

The best time to go road cycling in Witterveld is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is generally milder, and the heathland is vibrant with color, especially in late summer when the heather blooms. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions can be colder and wetter.

While Witterveld itself is a nature reserve, the surrounding Drenthe region is well-equipped for cyclists. Many routes, such as the Brown Café De Amer – Cycle Path Between the Meadows loop from Assen, pass through or near villages and towns like Assen where you can find cafes, pubs, and other amenities to refuel and relax.

The Witterveld area is located southwest of Assen, a major town in Drenthe. Assen is well-connected by public transport, including train and bus services. From Assen, you can often reach the starting points of various cycling routes by local bus or by cycling a short distance to the edge of the Witterveld area. For detailed public transport information, it's best to consult local travel planners.

Yes, several routes offer points of interest. For example, the View of the Deurzerdiep – Hunebed D19 and D20 loop from TT Circuit Assen explores the area around the TT Circuit Assen and passes by ancient Hunebedden (dolmens). Other routes offer scenic views through open meadows and heathland, providing a glimpse into the region's unique natural and historical character.