Walkers in the Reestdal have to take an alternative route for the next two weeks, because the ferry over the Reest is out of use. Vandals have damaged it so seriously that it was completely leaking on one side and sank. The municipality of Meppel has since taken it out of the water for repair.
The ferry, which was close to the provincial border with Overijssel, was a beloved crossing for nature lovers and dog owners. “Now I have to spend a good deal,” says a walker who was not aware. “What I find especially annoying is that I have to do my dog on the line, because I have to cross a cycle path. He could just keep walking on the ferry.”
The ferry was at the Reeststouwe, along the A32. The expectation is that it will be in the water again in mid -March, so that hikers can resume their familiar route.