Hank, Raamsdonksveer, Made

Made once originated as a collection of farms on a so-called city meadow of Geertruidenberg. From 1346, houses were allowed to be built on this city meadow and this village grew. Today, Made is separated from Geertruidenberg and is part of the municipality of Drimmelen. Made has many 19th-century houses and is therefore a nice old centre to cycle or walk through.

Much of the route you cycle through National Park De Biesbosch. This protected nature reserve is a unique water landscape. Since the Haringvliet was closed off, the tidal range has largely disappeared in this area. However, the effect of the water is still noticeable in the eastern part, the Sliedrechtse Biesbosch.

You pass the Biesbosch Museum Island. Definitely step off here to take a look at the broad history this area has. Apart from its origins and unique flora and fauna, this area was also an important hiding place during World War II, for example.

Beware, you will pass a ferry several times.
Always check the sailing times before cycling:

't Leeuweveerke: Sails from 28 April to 18 September.
https://www.poortnaardebiesbosch.nl/veerpont

Pontje Steur: Sails from 27 April to 30 September.
https://veerponten.nl/veren/werkendam-biesbosch

Cycling through the Biesbosch in winter? Then cycle to Geertruidenberg via junctions: 96-44-40-42-24 across the bridge to 32-18-14. Then cycle from 12 to 22 in Werkendam, cross the bridge here to junction 10 at the Steurgat.
Then go via the Bandijk to 11-09-06-04-02-08. From junction 08 you can follow the cycle route regular to junction 13. From 13, continue to 29 and back via: 10-22-12. From here, complete the regular route to Made (junctions: 14-18-32-35-24-42-40-44-96-26).

Photo: Stan Versluis via Unsplash