Grift and Valleikanaal

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The Valleikanaal and Grift have a total length of 40 km from the Nederrijn near Rhenen to the river Eem in Amersfoort. The first part to Veenendaal is named the Grift. This canal was dug in the 15th century. From Veenendaal to Amersfoort it is named Valleikanaal. This canal was made between 1935 and 1941. From Amersfoort it continues as river Eem to the Eemmeer (former Zuiderzee). There is some current. The water flows to the north, so Rhenen is the best starting place, although kayaking upstream is under normal conditions not a problem.

On April 23, 2010, the new kayak route from Rhenen to Leusden (33 km) was officially opened. On the route 21 kayak piers were made, for stops on the way and for portage at the weirs. The weir Roffelaar  is the only place without kayak-piers. Starting point is at the mental institution Zideris at the foot of the Grebbeberg near Rhenen. You can unload the kayak at Zideris and carry it across the terrain towards the canal. The residents of Zideris welcome you to have a cup of coffee or tea on the terrace. Parking across the road on the parking place behind the hedge. Access to the kayak pier is also possible if you follow the bike-road from the Cuneraweg.

GPS:

Starting point at Zideris, Cuneraweg 12, 3911 RN Rhenen. Follow the Grebbeweg (N225) from Rhenen towards Wageningen. After you passed the monument and military burial place you go downhill. After a bend to the right turn left into the narrow road Cuneraweg. After 100 meters there is a bike road to the right that runs along the canal. You can drive a little further and at the entrance of Zideris you see 2 upright standing kayaks on your right. Here you can unload the kayak and walk across the yard to the canal. After the gate there is a good kayak-pier along the bike-road. Parking-place across the road behind the hedge.

From Zideris you head north. After 2.2 km you pass the Nieuwe Kanaal towards Wageningen. You go straight on. Just before Veenendaal is the Bennekommer Meent on your right. This nature area lies 4.9 meters below sea-level and seapage water from the nearby Veluwe rises to the surface. On the other side of the canal the swamp is named Blauwe Hel (blue hell) because much of the vegetalion is literary floating on the water and it makes access very dangerous. After 10.4 km from the starting point you are in the center of Veenendaal. There is a kayak pier and a picnic area on your left. The restaurant Mucha with terrace along the water is nearby. From here it is 3.1 more km. to the recreation area Roode Haan. After the portage the canal makes a bend and goes under the highway A12. For the next 2.5 km the canal is parallel to the highway. But it is separated by a sound-wall and large trees. I spotted a kingfisher here. After a bend to the right the canal goes to the north for another 2.5 km. Here the stream Lunterse Beek (not navigatable) joins. After 1.9 km. you come at the next weir at the main road Stationsweg (N244), that connects Scherpenzeel to Woudenberg. There's no parking place here. From here it's only a short distance to the next weir where  Valleisport (company outings) is situated on your left. There is parking place along the road on the right side of the canal (Roffelaarskade). The bridge is for bikes only. Parking at Valleisport is for customers only.

If you head further north you can make a round trip around Leusden.

There's no access to the side-arm of the Nederrijn. Portage to the river is possible. Follow the bike-road for about 1 km. Then you come at a small field on the left where you can go to the river.

Access to the Grift across the yard of Zideris.

The Grift near Rhenen with the Grebbeberg in the background.

Grift

Grift

Veenendaal

View from the bridge at the weir at the Roode Haan just north of Veenendaal.

Portage at the Roode Haan.

Weir the Roffelaar. There are no kayak piers here. Getting in and out on the north side is a bit difficult. On the south side (upstream) it is easier. Parking along the Roffelaarskade (east side of the canal).