Forests and Farms
Netherlands (Drenthe): Stage 12 Assen to Meppel 54 Km (Mon 24 July 2023)
Weather: 11⁰C min – 22⁰C max, Thunderstorms. Winds WSW at 15 to 30 km/h. Chance of rain 90%.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” ~ Henry David Thoreau
My strategy to combat the weather threat was to set off after an early breakfast and see how far I could get before the thunderstorms arrived. Would you believe I made it all the way to Meppel without a drop of rain or a clap of thunder!
Once again cycle.travel delivered. Continuous bike paths took me on a spectacular ride through forests, tree-lined avenues, around lakes, through fields, scrubby bushland, wetlands, and past farms teaming with all kinds of animals … horses, sheep, cattle, goats, alpacas, chickens, geese, ducks, deer, rabbits etc.
With an eye on the storm clouds gathering above, I resisted the urge to stop at the immaculate little town of Ruinen but pushed on towards Meppel a further 15 km away. As it turns out I could have stopped for a coffee because the rain did not eventuate until much later in the day.
Both Assen and Meppel are in the province of Drenthe, with scenery quite different to what I have been riding through in Friesland. The province boasts many beautiful National
Parks and natural areas making it ideal for cycling or hiking.
Surrounded by water the cozy city of Meppel is at the most southern point of Drenthe. Although the city has only 32,000 citizens, it is surprisingly diverse for its size and has a great shopping centre. My first impressions are favourable, but I haven’t had a chance to fully explore yet.
A very picturesque route – lots of lovely animals (cute hairy cows and tiny horses).
Better than a trip to the zoo. I loved the long-horned, hairy-coated, shaggy, cows. Also the Shetland ponies all gathered around in a circle having a chat.