Tour of Bathmen, Laren and Gorssel

Laren is known for its many estates and associated castles. This route first takes you past Havezate Oolde, a country estate from 1663. Southeast of the Gorssel you will find the Gorsselse Heide. For decades this was a military shooting and training area. There used to be extensive heathlands here that were used by farmers in the area for various purposes, but nowadays there are also forests to be seen. About a hundred years ago there were mainly pine trees, but the coniferous forest is slowly developing into a mixed deciduous forest, where birch and oak also grow. Windmill De Leeuw was already mentioned in a deed in 1523, but the current mill dates from 1856. Nowadays, the mill is again used for grinding in a traditional manner.