Ree and Kippenkade via Reeuwijkse Plassen and Broekvelden

Starting from the charming village of Reeuwijk, this 14 km (about 8.7 miles) circular walk offers a flat, easy route with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. The trailhead is conveniently located near the Reeuwijkse Hout recreation area, a well-known spot for locals and visitors alike, and is easily accessible by car via the A12 motorway or by public transport from Gouda station, with local buses connecting directly to Reeuwijk.

Navigating the Waterways and Polders

The route meanders through the Reeuwijkse Plassen, a network of shallow lakes created by centuries of peat extraction. These lakes are now a haven for birdlife, especially waterfowl such as grebes, herons, and swans. The trail follows the Kippenkade and Ree, two historic dikes that once protected the surrounding polders from flooding. Expect to walk along grassy embankments, wooden boardwalks, and quiet country lanes, with panoramic views across the water and reed beds.

Nature and Wildlife Highlights

Between 3 km (1.9 miles) and 8 km (5 miles), the path skirts the edges of several lakes, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The area is part of a protected nature reserve, so keep an eye out for rare species like the black tern and the bittern. In spring and summer, wildflowers line the dikes, and dragonflies dart above the water. The Broekvelden section, around the halfway point, is particularly tranquil, with fewer visitors and a sense of remoteness despite being close to civilization.

Cultural and Historical Points

The Reeuwijkse Plassen region has a rich history tied to Dutch water management. The dikes and canals you’ll see were engineered as early as the Middle Ages to reclaim land from the marshes. Traditional Dutch windmills, some still operational, dot the landscape—reminders of the ongoing battle against water. At approximately 10 km (6.2 miles), you’ll pass near the hamlet of Sluipwijk, where centuries-old farmhouses and small bridges evoke the area’s agricultural heritage.

Practical Information and Navigation

The entire route is well-marked, but for precise navigation and up-to-date trail conditions, use HiiKER, which provides detailed maps and waypoints. Facilities are limited along the trail, so bring enough water and snacks. There are several picnic spots near the lakes, and the Reeuwijkse Hout area at the start and end offers cafes and restrooms.

Public transport users can reach Reeuwijk by taking a train to Gouda, then a local bus (such as line 178 or 190) to Reeuwijkse Hout. For drivers, parking is available at Reeuwijkse Hout, just off Notaris d’Aumerielaan, a short walk from the trailhead. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make this hike suitable year-round, though waterproof footwear is recommended in wetter months due to occasional muddy sections.