Ferry-hiking route Kop Bloksleat

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Blow away the cobwebs while hiking around this watery region between Sneek and Joure, crossing the water twice using the ferry at Broek.

Swettepoel
You start at the Swettepoel car park, a pool formed by sand excavations. Enjoy the shelter of the woodland copses as you wander around the pool towards Noarder Alde Wei, a wide canal which connects the Langweerder Wielen and Goingarijpster Poelen. On arrival there, it’s time to take the ferry to the other side, from the ‘Rufus aan het Water’ holiday farm. You can enjoy a welcome break for a cup of tea or coffee at the ferry departure point.

Between meadows and water
Now continue on to network junction 15, and then walk along the Bloksloot. At network junction 16, turn right onto 17, where the beautiful walk through the ever-surprising nature reserve managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer) starts: ‘Kop Bloksleat';. There are information signs dotted around the area to explain its origins and tell more about the flora and fauna to be discovered here. Just find your way along the banks of the Noarder Alde Wei, Gudzekop and Langestaartenpoel. Most of this route is unpaved, so be sure to wear boots in wet weather!

Viewpoint
After passing junction 18, you’ll soon encounter the viewpoint for this nature reserve, at Goengarijpsterpoelen. You will actually have very good views over the water throughout the route during winter and early spring, when there is little vegetation to block your view. The viewpoint is however ideal for birdwatching, with many geese frequenting the area in autumn of course and meadow birds in spring. This is a polder chosen by the birds for its peace and quiet, and dogs are therefore not allowed anywhere in the reserve.

Return route
On returning to junction 16, follow the same route back to 15 and take the ferry back to junction 14 on the other side of the water. Walk around the other side of the sheltered Swettepoel this time. This is a fantastic skating location when it freezes over! Having covered around 11 kilometres, you are now back at the car park safe and sound.