Rijn-Meije route 

A route of 33 km on the Grecht, Oude Rijn, Ziendevaart and the Meije. Starting Point at Woerdense Verlaat. Best starting point is at Woerdense Verlaat as there are 2 locks 700 meters apart. In this route there is one portage at the locks near Zwammerdam. In Bodegraven you have to lock as portage is not possible here Euro 1,40 per kayak (2008). 

Kayak-rentals

Starting point Woerdense Verlaat.

Exit the A2 (Amsterdam - Utrecht) at Breukelen and follow the N401 passing Kockengen. At the roundabout you turn right on the N212. Before a bridge you turn left on the N463 towards Woerdense Verlaat. Just before the bridge you turn left. You can park the car at the houses on your right near the locks. Carry the kayak passed the houses (follow the road) to the kayak pier after the locks.

From the locks at Woerdense Verlaat you head south on the Grecht. This canal was dug in the 15th century to connect Woerden to the north. The actual plan was to make a straight canal, but local farmers objected as they didn't want there land being devided in two parts. At their own cost they were allowed to dig a canal with many bends around their pastures. The many bends make the canal very attractive for kayaks. It is a very silent canal, there's only a bike-road along it. There are several pieces of nature along the canal with swamps and reedlands, named the  Kamerikse Nessen.  After 8.5 km you come at a T-junction. You can turn left here to visit Woerden, but the main route goes to the right on the Oude Rijn. In Woerden there is not much to see, except for the nice water-tower. First you pass an industrial area, then after a bridge you enter Woerden. It is not possible to paddle around the city center.

You head west on the Oude Rijn. This is a wider canal and some boats pass by from time to time. In Nieuwerbrug there is a toll-bridge where you still have to pay toll if you want to pass by car. Kayaks can go under the bridge for free. In Bodegraven you have pass locks. Portage is not possible as the sides are rather high. You pay Euro 1.40 per kayak (2008) to pass the locks. The next village is Zwammerdam. Here you turn right into the Ziende. After a short distance you come at locks. You can carry the kayak passed the locks. After the locks you turn sharp right to the Meije. If you would go straight on you come at the Nieuwkoopse Plassen. Follow the Meije for 9.5 km. Then you follow the bend to the left and you follow the straight canal to the north (direction Noorden). After a short distance you turn right on the main canal towards Woerdense Verlaat. Just before the locks you can go to side on your right. To prevent further portages you better walk 700 meters to the other locks where you left the car and drive back to collect the kayak.

Grecht

Woerden. After the bridge you go straight on towards a low pier. The restaurant here only serves exotic food for exotic prices. For an affordable lunch you walk a short distance into the street with the shops to Broodje Midas.

Nieuwerbrug

Meije

Meije

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