Print this route

A picturesque landscape emerges between Vorden and Lochum: De Graafschap National Landscape. In the 20,000 hectare, heavily agricultural area, you will find ash trees and meadows, beautiful country estates, babbling brooks, romantic unpaved paths and picturesque hamlets and villages. It is a beautiful small-scale landscape that is characterized by fairytale vistas in a semi-open area. The interplay of hedgerows, hedges, farms, fields and rivers gives the area something exciting. The idyllic scenic landscape also has many estates and castles that are typical of the area. You will cycle through the't Waliën estate, among other things. The site is planted with trees such as larch, Douglas fir, Norway spruce and American oak. Hidden between the trees are four pools, where reptiles feel right at home. The small newt, the great crested newt, the toad and the brown frog like to take a dip under the noise produced by the black woodpecker. A pine marten has also been spotted on the estate. Just before the halfway point of the tour, the first sight presents itself. The history of Huis Ampsen dates back to 1105. The first castle and both houses on the estate were destroyed by the Spanish in 1605. The current house was rebuilt in the first half of the seventeenth century. Over time, a wing has been added on the right side, giving the building a U-shape. The castle and estate are privately owned and not accessible. From Huis Ampsen the cycle route leads you to the Zwiepse Molen, which can be visited six kilometers further. The octagonal windmill was placed in 1851 on the Zwiepse Berg near Barchem. Due to the poor windage, the tower mill was moved several times until it was given its current destination in 1880. The mill is equipped for grinding grain and a volunteer miller uses his expertise to still do this. Before you relax in the hotel, you can visit the beautiful Vorden estate. An old agricultural landscape makes you feel as if you have gone back in time. Vorden Castle is located in a fairytale park forest with streams. Behind the coach house is a beautiful vegetable garden called the Hof van Hackfort. This beautiful estate is open weekly on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.