Bourtange, Sellingen, Vlagtwedde

This cycle route takes you winding along the Ruiten Aa stream, which flows past the esdorp of Sellingen, Vlagtwedde and the hamlet of Smeerling, among other places. The valley of the Ruiten Aa is a nature reserve of Natuurmonumenten and consists of woods, meadows and fields and shows the old Westerwold esdorpen landscape. You even pass two remnants of primeval forest along the way: the Metbroekbos and the Liefstinghsbroek. Both forests provide magnificent nature on this cycle route. Due to the great variety of landscapes, the valley of the Ruiten Aa is one of the most varied nature areas in the Netherlands!

At Wessinghuizen, the Ruiten Aa forms the Westerwoldse Aa together with the Mussel Aa and flows through to the Dollard. Speaking of flowing through: the route takes you along a couple of branches of the Ruiten Aa. Via the Mussel-Aakanaal and the Vereenigd Tijdenskanaal, you arrive in Bellingwolde, a rural village. In this place at junction 76, be sure to visit the quirky museum MOW, where you will see beautiful paintings and art about the Groningen countryside.

While pedalling and meandering, enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the north of our country, insanely beautiful Westerwolde!