The underwater trail – Clogs Trails with children

Today's theme is water! On this route along the Waterliniepad, the whole family will learn everything about water as the defense of the Netherlands. Of course in a playful way. That's 5.5 kilometers of fun guaranteed. Or 2.5 kilometers, because the route can be shortened, so that the little ones can also walk along.

Because you will encounter a lot of water along the way, put on sturdy and waterproof shoes. Be extra alert to the water if you walk the route with children without a swimming certificate. Walking with a pram is not possible on this route.

The route starts at Fort Honswijk in Schalkwijk. It is a circular walk, so you will also come back here. You can walk the round all year round, but the platforms you walk on along the way are slippery in certain weather conditions. So pay extra attention!

The walking tour starts right at this fort. From here, the soldiers saw the enemy arrive in time. This allowed them to quickly open the sluice and flood the land with the water from the river Lek. In this way the enemy could no longer come ashore so easily and the soldiers were safe. Go on a discovery tour in and around the fort or have a picnic in the grass with the whole family.

Is everyone finished? After about 2 kilometers you will arrive at another fort: Fort Werk aan de Korte Uitweg. At this fort there is again plenty to do for young and old. Here you can enjoy a bite to eat together or take a canoe trip. Would you like to spend some more time together in this unique place? You can even camp there! Please note that this fortress is closed on weekends from November to March.

The real adventurers take the towing ferry a few hundred meters away. Who is so strong that he or she can get the whole family across dry? In the meantime, check out the fish passage, which is intended to help the fish swim against the current at this weir.

Then you walk back in the direction of the starting point, but not before a visit to Fort Lunet aan de Snel. This fort also kept the enemy at a distance by flooding the Blokhoven polder when the opponent approached. What else will you learn about this historic building and its surroundings?

Finally, just before the end of the route, you pass a group shelter. Feel free to take a look and imagine how soldiers hid in it.

After this, the adventurous walk is over. I'm curious what you've learned!

If you want to shorten the route to 2.5 kilometers, you cut off a piece after Fort Honswijk and continue straight to Fort Lunet aan de Snel.

Before you leave, don't forget to print out the assignments specially made for this path. This way the walk will appeal to the imagination even more. You can download the brochure here: https://klompenpaden.nl/wp-content/uploads/Onderwaterpad-KIDS-digitale-folder.pdf

Are you coming by car? Then park it in the parking lot next to Fort Honswijk. If you come by public transport, get off at the Fort Honswijk stop. You can also start the route at Fort Werk on the Korte Uitweg and park the car there.