Botshol walk

Botshol walk through a beautiful natural area where swaying reeds and birds demand attention.

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Botshol reedland between water

What a discovery! The Botshol walk by Natuurmonumenten is a very special 10 km walk through the Botshol nature reserve. Botshol is a typical Dutch low peat area between Abcoude and Vinkeveen. Here you will find peat lakes, narrow ditches, reedlands, and swamp forest.

The landscape of the Botshol polder has changed quite a bit over the centuries. Where there was peat swamp at first, agricultural land came later. Now this part of the polder consists again of wet nature with shallow lakes and reeds. A perfect home base for marsh birds such as the moustached warbler, the little reed warbler, and the bluethroat.

WALK BOTSHOL

For those who want to experience nature up close during a stay at Hotel Flora Batava, the walking route through Botshol and Waverhoek is highly recommended. This watery area west of the Vecht is part of an extensive polder and marsh landscape and is known for its biodiversity.

The route starts between the Groote Wije and the Vinkeveense Plassen. Here you walk along narrow dikes with water and reeds on both sides. The landscape transitions into meadows, ditches, and the gently flowing river Winkel. Along the way, you will encounter only walkers and occasionally a whisper boat.

Botshol is an important nature reserve for water and marsh birds. Coots, swans, and geese can be found in the ditches and meadows. With some luck, you may also see species such as the spoonbill, great egret, or cormorant. During the breeding season, reed warbler, grasshopper warbler, and reed bunting can be heard from the reeds.

FORT IN THE BOTSHOL

On the west side of Botshol lies Fort in de Botshol. This fort is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a 135 km long line of defense around the capital. Incidentally, Fort in de Botshol is only a fort in name. Concrete defensive works have never been built in this location. Here you see a rise in the landscape, along the Botshol route.

The adjacent Waverhoek (Polder Groot-Mijdrecht) is an open meadow bird area and forms a nice addition to the route. Via an extra loop of about 2.5 kilometers, you can extend the walk and increase the chance of observing different bird species.

The ground can be marshy, especially after rainfall. Waterproof shoes or boots are therefore recommended.

Botshol walk 10 km

Waverhoek walk 2.5 km

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