Ferry route De 8 van Grou, an experience not to be missed!

For those who want to explore and experience the beautiful surroundings of Grou, De 8 van Grou offers plenty of opportunities. De 8 van Grou is a wonderful bike trail; one moment you're cycling through the varied watery landscape of the National Park De Alde Feanen and the next moment you passing a picturesque village. Then continue cycling through vast flowery meadows, enjoying the varied nature.

What makes this route so speciall, is that you will have to cross several waterways. Where volunteers are ready to bring you to the other side with a ferry. The ferries give an extra dimension to your ride; an experience not to be missed! Meanwhile De 8 van Grou counts 12 ferries and is also called “de Pontjesroute”. You can choose different distances and routes, ranging from 28 to 45 kilometers.

De 8 van Grou follows the system of the cycle route network. Using the numbers on the signs you cycle from node to node. These numbers are identified by rectangular green and white signs with circled numbers. The map also explains how De 8 of Grou got its name.

Ferry route through the National Park De Alde Feanen

The routes begins at Grou from the Hellingshaven. Here lies the ferry Gastvrij Grou which brings you to the other side. Cycle to the ferry De Burd and cross the island with identical name to the ferry De Snoekcbears. Meanwhile enjoy a tour through a part of the National Park De Alde Feanen where you will find many grassland birds such as the lapwing, godwit and redshank. But also raptors like hawks, kestrel and buzzard. Or ducks, swans, geese and (silver) herons. Yes, even deer, hares, foxes, martens and polecats are no exception.

From the ferry De Snoekcbears you have two options: you can take either ferry De Grietman to De Veenhoop, Nij Beets, Aldeboarn, Akkrum and Grou. Or to Earnewâld with the ferry Hin & Wer and ferry De Oerhaal via Warten back to Grou.

Ferry De Snoekcbears and ferry Gastvrij Grou

The foundation Grou Aktief owns and operates two ferries: bicycle ferry Gastvrij Grou between the Hellingshaven and the Seinpôle and De Snoekcbears which sails over De Grêft on the island De Burd. The ferryman on both ferries, all volunteers, love to bring you to the other side.

Route Guide “De 8 van Grou”

De 8 van Grou has its own guide with routes, list of the ferries timetables and the locations of the ferries. Also listed in the guide: places to recreate or to charge your e-bike. Further indicated: tourist attractions along the way, such as churches and museums. The guide is on sale at the Tourist Office, a number of outlets in Grou and at several addresses on route.

Follow us at Facebook/pontjesroute and Twitter @De8vanGrou.

Stichting Grou Aktief wishes you lots of cycling fun!