Watermill route around Epen

A green sea of trees grows on the rolling Crapoel Plateau. The Crapoel Plateau, also known as the Eperheide Plateau, was formed by the erosion of the surrounding slopes by rivers and streams. This created a rolling plain that slopes gently northward from the Gulperberg. Heijenrath lies to the southwest; adjacent to it, Eperheide, lies to the southeast. Eperheide comprises approximately sixty farms. The hamlet has a population of about 150, the first inhabitants of which planted the dry heathland with conifers: larches and Norway spruces. In 1995, a one-hectare clearing emerged when a storm and an insect plague took hold of nature. Here, heather bushes began to grow again. A flock of sheep grazes on the heath, expanding it by another hectare. The entire eastern edge of the plateau is covered with trees from the Schweibergerbos. This hillside forest contains several cultural-historical elements. Among the trees lies an old gravel farm, but there is also a bluestone cross with a corpus hidden among the trees. This monument was erected in memory of five British soldiers who died in action. The bomber in which they flew crashed in this forest during World War II. The plaque inscribes the names of the five brave fallen soldiers. The bike tour leads you to several beautiful watermills, such as the Onderste Molen (Underste Mill). The original historic mill was built as early as 1215. At that time, the building was still called the Commander's Mill. Later, after restoration, the mill was renamed the "Onderste Molen" (Underste Mill). The Onderste Molen is a corn mill that ground the Geul River, but it was later also used to generate electricity. The mill was fully operational again during a restoration in 2005 and is now operated by volunteers. The Neubourgermolen (Neubourg Mill) was built on the Gulp River in 1712. This mill, located in Gulpen, was also known as the Roex Mill. Until 1840, with the exception of the period 1809-1816, the medium-speed watermill ground cloth into pulp. This pulp was then used to make paper by hand. In 1853, the mill was converted into a grain mill, which was fitted with an iron turbine in 1907. Further modernization took place in 1930, when an electric motor was installed. In 2013, the Neubourgermolen was designated a national heritage site. The mill houses a cozy restaurant and pancake house. Groenendael Castle is a beautiful castle primarily used for agricultural purposes. The original moated building was built in 1775, but the fortified house was demolished in 1921. A new castle was built on its foundations, incorporating remnants of the old walls. Originally, the Groenendaalsmolen, also powered by the waters of the Gulp River, belonged to the house. The watermill's year of construction is unknown. In 1966, the mill was converted into a residence and lost its function as a corn mill. Free parking is available at Camping en Restaurant Rozenhof. Enjoying the good life begins here among the Limburg hills. Pitch your tent or caravan at the charming campsite or rent one of the cozy cottages. Panoramic views, a charming restaurant, a rustic bar, a pleasant terrace, and a second route starting from this location (134338) make this campsite a wonderful place to stay.