Easy hikes and walks in Loevestein, Pompveld & Kornsche Boezem

Loevestein Castle is located in a unique place, where the Maas and the Waal meet. It is situated in the Fortress Triangle, between the historic cities of Gorinchem, Woudrichem and Zaltbommel and forms a hub of culture and nature. Loevestein is located on the border of three provinces - Gelderland, Noord-Brabant and Zuid-Holland - and is part of the municipality of Zaltbommel. A special region where a lot of culture, fortifications and centuries-old stories can be found. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.slotloevestein.nl/

THE water gate is still used during high water. Beams are slid into the concrete grooves and the space between them is filled with sand. This cofferdam holds back the wild water and protects the fortified town. Source: Woudrichem Stroomt City Walk

The Gevangenpoort in the fortified city of Woudrichem is one of the remaining gates from the 15th century. The Gevangenenpoort dates from after 1573, the year in which the city was on fire. It is part of the ramparts built in 1580. In the Middle Ages, Woudrichem was walled in which there were five city gates. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the building was used as a detention center. Some prisoners have their names carved into a wall as a memento.

The predecessor of the current mill originally dates from 1662 and was a predecessor of the mill that was destroyed on site in 1945. However, it is assumed that a mill stood on this site much earlier. According to a list (from around 1280) of goods that were held in fief from the Count of Holland, there already appears to be a windmill in Woudrichem. In the past, it was customary for a city to have one or more city mills, owned by the city council. The mill was leased to a miller, who was authorised to grind grain into flour for third parties (farmers and bakers). The miller was often paid in kind. The grain mill Nooit Gedagt has traditionally stood on the city wall of the fortified city of Woudrichem. The city wall is part of the defence works built by Adriaan Antonisz in 1583 on the orders of Prince William of Orange. Woudrichem, together with Gorinchem and Slot Loevestein, is part of the so-called 'iron triangle'. The mill was provided with the octagonal masonry superstructure in 1862. The substructure of an earlier date first accommodated a wooden octagon. Triggered? Want to know more? Click through to https://www.molennooitgedagt.nl/index.php/over-de-molen

On the other side of the Waal, cows.

The Pompveld in Almkerk is a nature reserve between Andel and Babyloniënbroek. The nature reserve is located in the Land van Heusden en Altena. The area is an oasis of peace where you can take beautiful walks. The area is owned by the Brabants Landschap. Walking on narrow and wide paths along pollard willows, meadows and smaller forests. While walking you will also encounter deer and many species of birds. The Pompveld is a nature reserve with special flora and fauna. There is also a walking route in the Pompveld of around 5 kilometers. At the Pompveld we also find the Almbos. In the middle of the Pompveld nature reserve is an authentic duck decoy from the early 18th century. There is also a pond, bordered by pollard willows and reed collars. The sunlight reflects over the water and makes it liquid gold. The Pompveld is a heavenly spot for a beautiful short walk. Source: www.heerlijkwandelen.nl

The castle looks very impressive just walking around it. Unfortunately, we only got a view from outside as we were too late to visit. Please make sure to check the viewing times online in advance. We were annoyed afterwards that we couldn't get in. But the view from outside is also worth it. Definitely a visit!

Bring good walking shoes for the swampy part.