The Roege Roundabouts
The short walking routes Roege Rondjes are great for those who want a nice walk between two and ten kilometres. The rounds are spread through nature reserve 't Roegwold and take you along the most beautiful parts of, for example, Tetjehorn, the Westerpolder, Hellum or the Baggerputten. They are also great fun to walk with the family, especially if you pass De Vogelluisteraars, works of art you can sit on to listen extra carefully to birds.
The Roege Rondjes belong to 't Roege Pad: four medium-length walking routes around twenty kilometres through 't Roegwold. The Roege Rondjes can be walked separately, but you can also extend the long routes with them, or connect them.
Tetjehorn (4.3 km.)
Walk from watchtower 'Biesterwied' through the largest reed swamp in Groningen and visit De Vogelluisteraar on the edge of the Schildmeer. This is home to the bittern, bearded reedling and spotted crake, as well as migrants such as wood sandpiper, greenshank and the occasional spotted redshank.
Haansvaart (3 km)
A lovely walk along the Schildmeer and over a plank path. Keerschutsluis Haanssluis is a national monument, built in the Haansvaart by farmer De Haan in the 19th century. From The Bird Whisperer, you can mostly hear meadow birds such as the meadow pipit. You also look out on land with extra short vegetation, where geese feel most at home. Barnacle, flock and greylag geese are particularly common here
Dannemeer (9.3 km.)
At the heart of 't Roegwold is the Dannemeer, containing the photogenic Knuppelpad, a wooden path straight through the water. While walking, you will see many birds, such as the large colony of spoonbills, great egrets, bluethroat or bearded reedling. And even if you don't see anything, you will certainly hear them. From the earliest dawn until dusk, the place is full of twittering, chirping and cackling.
Helmster Ommetje (4 km.)
Haansvaart connects Hellum with Schildmeer, once a sailing route, now only walkable. Follow part of the canal, passing through farmland and forest.On Hoofdweg in the village, you'll find stately farmhouses, some still with winding gardens.
Ae's Woudbloem Scald Ae (4.8 km.)
Walk through a varied, rugged landscape of reed swamps, woods and open water. Chances are you will see the sturdy Herefords grazing on this walking route. Or maybe you will see the blue flash, the nickname of the kingfisher, who is very good at gathering his (fish) food in this area.
Fraeylemaborg (4.6 km.)
The magnificent Fraeylemaborg alone, surrounded by water, is more than worth a visit. But the park behind it and the Overbos opposite also make a walk in Slochteren's historic core an experience.Regularly look back at the borg to discover the sightlines that thread both woods together.
Devil's Island (3.7 km.)
The small river Slochter Ae leads past a place with the exciting name 'Devil's Island'. A dwelling once stood here, which can still be seen today from the well, fruit trees and the remains of a foundation. From The Bird Listener, you can actually hear birds choosing shelter such as chiffchaff and golden oriole.
Rijpemaa (8.3 km.)
Rijpemaa is a narrow and vast nature reserve between Harkstede, Lageland, Schaaphok and Woudbloem. Reed marshes, pollard willows, grassland and water alternate. If you are lucky, you will see blue moor frogs here in spring.
Baggerputten (1.9 km)
The word biodiversity seems to have been invented for this small nature reserve. Many species of plants, fungi, dragonflies, butterflies and birds feel at home here. That includes rare or endangered species such as glasscutter, early glazier and little sundew. Here you will also find The Bird Listener where you can hear birds such as the tree pipit, cuckoo and water rail.
Westerpolder (2.8 km.)
If you walk from the Hof van Kolham campsite to the back, you are immediately in 't Roegwold. In the Westerpolder you have a wide view. Usually the Hereford herd is grazing here. And otherwise you can tell they were there by, for instance, the holes next to the pools and ditches.
