De Rietweg, Kampenesch and Bloemendellen Loop

This easy, almost perfectly flat loop of about 14 km (8.7 mi) wanders through the open, water-shaped countryside around Kampen (Overijssel)—a landscape of straight drainage ditches, reed fringes, farm tracks, and wide skies. With roughly 0 m (0 ft) of climbing, the effort here is less about hills and more about wind exposure, soft ground after rain, and staying oriented at a web of similar-looking tracks.

For a practical start point, aim for the Het Onderdijks / Cantecleer area on the edge of Kampen—Kinderboerderij Cantecleer, Oude Zeedijk 1, 8266 BW Kampen is a reliable navigation anchor with nearby access paths and parking. ([cantecleer.com](https://www.cantecleer.com/route-en-parkeren?utm_source=openai))

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

By car - Set your destination to Oude Zeedijk 1, Kampen (Kinderboerderij Cantecleer). There’s free parking along the road and by the entrance area, but it can fill on busy days. ([cantecleer.com](https://www.cantecleer.com/route-en-parkeren?utm_source=openai))

By public transport - From Station Kampen or Station Kampen Zuid, take bus 11 toward Het Onderdijks, get off at halte Oostzeestraat, then walk about 8 minutes through the park to Cantecleer / the start area. ([cantecleer.com](https://www.cantecleer.com/route-en-parkeren?utm_source=openai))

What the walk feels like underfoot Expect a mix of: - **Paved or brick paths** near the neighborhood edge and park approaches - **Gravel and farm tracks** (often straight, bordered by ditches) - Short stretches that can be **muddy or slick** after rain, especially where reeds and wet grass encroach

Because the terrain is flat and open, the “difficulty” swings with conditions: - Wind can make an easy loop feel longer (especially on exposed dikes and open polder lanes). - In wetter months, some edges of tracks can be soft, and you may need to step around puddles.

Route flow and key waypoints (approximate) Distances below are approximate to help you pace the day.

0.0–3.0 km (0.0–1.9 mi): settling into the polder You’ll leave the built-up edge of Kampen quickly and transition into a quieter grid of lanes and field edges. This is where you’ll start seeing the defining features of the area: long sightlines, drainage canals, and reedbeds. Keep an eye on the verges—narrow shoulders can drop straight into water-filled ditches.

3.0–7.5 km (1.9–4.7 mi): De Rietweg character—reeds, waterlines, and big sky The “Rietweg” feel is classic lowland Netherlands: reeds (riet) along wetter margins, small bridges/culverts, and the constant presence of managed water. Even when the path is firm, the ground beside it may be saturated—use care if you step aside for bikes or farm vehicles.

7.5–11.0 km (4.7–6.8 mi): Kampenesch and Bloemendellen—quiet farmland mosaics This middle portion tends to be the most repetitive visually (in a good way if you like calm, open landscapes): fields, hedgerows in places, and occasional farmsteads. Navigation can be trickier here because many tracks look similar—this is where it helps to keep HiiKER open and confirm each junction before committing, especially if you’re aiming to stay on public rights-of-way.

11.0–14.0 km (6.8–8.7 mi): returning toward Kampen As you arc back, you’ll gradually pick up more signs of the town edge again—more maintained paths, occasional dog walkers, and a slightly busier feel near access points.

Navigation and safety notes (specific to this landscape) - **Use HiiKER** to confirm junctions: in polder country, a “wrong” turn often still looks correct for a long time. - **Ditches are the main hazard**: many are steep-sided and hidden by grass/reeds. Give the edge space, especially in wind. - **Farm traffic**: tractors and service vehicles may use the same tracks. Step well aside (but not into soft shoulders). - **Weather exposure**: there’s often little shelter. Bring a windproof layer even on mild days.

Nature and wildlife to look for This is a water-managed landscape, so wildlife is often