From the visitor center, you walk through the woods to the heathland. Here, you'll follow sandy roads and paths towards the Aekingerbroek stream valley. Aekingerbroek used to be a wet, nutrient-rich area home to many unique plant and animal species, such as sundews and moor frogs. In the 19th century, the area was drained and fertilized for agriculture. Where the lookout tower once stood, you'll find a beautiful picnic spot with a view of Aekingerbroek, which has now been restored to its former glory. The stream valley has been stripped of peat, drainage ditches have been filled in, trees have been felled, and grazers keep the area open and the soil poor. Further along the route, you'll come to Grenspoel, a large peat pool located right on the border between the provinces of Drenthe and Friesland. Continue to the edge of Aelingerzand. Here, you can clearly see the immense size of this sandy plain with its drifting dunes. The sand layer, sometimes up to 5 meters thick, was brought there by the wind during the last ice age. You leave Aekingerzand and continue along the edge of the forest and through heathland. Along the way, you'll pass a small pond with a lovely bench in the shade, perfect for a break. You'll walk back through the forest towards the starting point.