Varied bicycle tour through the head of Overijssel

The starting point of this rather long route is at Dedemsvaart, created after the construction of the canal of the same name in the early 19th century, the stories of which can still be admired in 't Leshuus, which is part of the local regional museum De Kalkovens. The botanical gardens of Mien Ruys are also a considerable attraction here. The tour is characterized on the one hand by the nature of the Reest and Vecht valleys, while on the other hand many forest reserves are crossed on this beautiful route. The route goes clockwise through the village of De Tippe to Slagharen, of course known for its amusement park. Via Oud Lutten you reach the village of Ane, where long ago a heavy battle was fought between the oppressed peasant population and the army of the Bishop of Utrecht, an impressive history with many memorials. Very attractive is the trail along the Vecht, for decades canalized, but now partly restored to its meandering state. Hardenberg is an important stop on this route. Here remnants of old city walls are found among a striking amount of new construction. A little further south, cyclists can become acquainted with the beautiful forests surrounding the villages and Rheeze and Diffelen. Here you can enjoy exuberant flora and fauna, and besides a possible confrontation with birds of prey and deer, there is a good chance of encountering giant ant hills in this pleasant region.