Netherlands > Schoonloo – Sleen – Dalerveen

Sunday, Easter Sunday. Through the window of our accommodation, we see the rain pouring down. During the Easter breakfast, it seems to lighten up a bit, but once we’re packed with our backpacks, the drizzle starts again. With rain covers over our backpacks and ponchos on, we leave Schoonloo. Since today is the longest day on the schedule, with over 35 kilometers, we set off before half past eight. The route almost immediately leads into the forest after leaving Schoonloo. The low-hanging clouds and mist create a fairytale-like scene among the trees. We decided to walk the first eight kilometers without a break to get it out of the way. The target was a coffee spot marked on the map at a small campsite. Unfortunately, the campsite wasn’t open yet. On the way back from the campsite, under a shelter, we made our own coffee and had a muesli bar.

Netherlands - Schoonloo

Meanwhile, it had become drier, so the ponchos could come off. Occasionally, a drop fell from the trees, but it didn’t get us very wet. From the campsite, we followed a long bike path through the forest. Near Schoonoord, we crossed the bridge over the canal, after which the bike path continued for a few more kilometers. Along the route, birdhouses were hanging on the trees. Each birdhouse had a number, and the numbering counted down. It was a fun distraction to spot all the little houses. Around noon, we passed the Hunebed called the Papeloze Kerk. This hunebed was 800 meters off the route, and we decided not to walk there. On the way to Noord-Sleen, a route change was indicated online. Passage over the main road was no longer possible. The detour, however, added another one and a half kilometers, even though today was already the longest route. At the monument commemorating the airmen who died in the war, we sat on a bench and had our sandwich and soup. Then we continued via the detour, and after rejoining the original path, followed the route toward Sleen. Along the way, we passed a huge stack of wood. Asking a farmer, we learned it was intended for the Easter fire. In some villages, the fire is lit on the first day of Easter, sometimes on the second. The road to Sleen was open, with a considerable headwind. Around half past two, we reached the village green of Sleen and ordered drinks at the local café. We were ready for a break. From Sleen, it was still 14 kilometers to walk. Fortunately, the sun had broken through by then, and we walked southward along the Emmerzand. At the first canal, the route ran over the grass dike. Due to heavy rainfall, this dike had become quite muddy. We noticed that we were also becoming tired, as this stretch was not easy to walk. At Holsloot, we passed the canal and walked toward the bridge. The truckers’ café was closed on Easter Sunday. Luckily, there was a bench where we could rest out of the wind. We prepared ourselves for the final kilometers. It would still be a challenge to reach the guesthouse before six o’clock. Along the way, we passed the charming, picturesque village of Den Hool, where the old farmhouses still stand around the village green.

Netherlands - Route marker

A little later, we entered Dalerveen. Although Dalerveen was the overnight stop, our host family was located further along. Just before six o’clock, we arrived at the beginning of Stroetendijk. Had house number 3 been at the start of the dike, we would have been on time, but it turned out to be the most remote house on Stroetendijk. After walking one and a half kilometers, we arrived at Renate and Henny’s place, along with their sons, and were warmly welcomed. In the evening, we were invited to join dinner, as there were no restaurants nearby. Renate had prepared an extensive Easter dinner. Around ten o’clock, after coffee, we went to our room to sleep.