Groote Sloot, Noordhollands Kanaal and Hondsbossche Vaart
Kayak-rentals: Kees Bakker Kanoverhuur, Groote Sloot 343, Schagerbrug. Phone 0224-573009.
War-munoment at Zijpersluis with the dunes of Schoorl in the distance.
This is not the first trip I should make bacause long and straight canals are typical for the polder Zijpe. For those who want something different and who are used to paddle longer distances this polder has its special charm. The Groote Sloot and the Noordhollands Kanaal are long stretches, but it has a special charm. There are two ponton-bridges across the Noordhollands Kanaal, and there is a war-monument near Zijpersluis. Be prepared to meet some waves at the Noordhollands Kanaal when cargo ships pass by.
Mapmyride: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/netherlands/zijpersluis/976808023
1.
A good starting point is the war munument at Zijpersluis (see photo above). Take the N9 from Alkmaar towards Den Helder. A few kilometers north of Schoorldam you take the first exit to the left and continue north on the parallel road. Across the bridge you turn left. There is parking space and a picnic table at the war monument. From here you go under the bridge and cross the Noordhollands Kanaal to enter the Groote Sloot. Then comes the long stretch towards Schagerbrug. This is a quiet canal with a charm of its own. Just after Schagerbrug you turn left. When you reach the Noordhollands Kanaal at De Stolpen, turn left again. Keep to the sides when ships pass by and be prepared to meet some waves. You can pass the ponton-bridges with another ship if you're lucky. Be quick as the bridges are remotely controlled and they don't stay open for canoes. If no ships are coming you don't need to wait. First be sure the bridge is not going to open. Then go under it at the sides. There is a big double log floating in the water on the south side of the bridge. You can stand on it and pull the canoe across. Be careful, it is slippery when wet. After Burgervlotbrug you see a number of new windmills on you left and then you reach Zijpersluis. You can make an extra trip on the Hondsbossche Vaart along the Schoorlse Zeedijk (see map below) towards the present sea dike near Petten. Total distance about 25 km.
2.
From Schagerbrug you can make another trip heading north-east on the Groote Sloot. When you reach the northernmost point follow the bend to the left and you'll come to the village Oudesluis. You see the locks on your right and go under the railroadbridge. Then follow the canal to the left and you come at a long straight canal that leads towards De Stolpen. At De Stolpen turn left on the canal Stolpen-Schagen until you return to Schagerbrug. Total distance of this trip is 12.6 km.
3.
At Oudesluis it is possible to carry the canoe across the dike and leave the polder Zijpe. For this purpose there are kayak-piers at both sides of the locks. At the other side there is a beautiful canal with bends like a river. Then the canal becomes wider and wider. This is the Hooge Oude Veer. Pass the bridge at Anna Paulowna and continue north on the Van Ewycksvaart until you reach the yacht-harbor. Distance from Oudesluis towards Van Ewycksluis and back is 17.2 km.
Zijpersluis, entrance of the Groote Sloot.
Traditional farmhouse, typical for this province along the Groote Sloot.
Wooden framework of a traditional farmhouse stands as a monument across the Groote Sloot in remembrance of the 400 years aniversary of the polder Zijpe.
View from the monument.