Watermills and sheepfolds in the Veluwezoom

This route takes you straight through the forest and heathland of the Veluwezoom National Park, past historic water mills and sheepfolds hidden in the greenery. Veluwezoom National Park became the first national park in the Netherlands in 1930. Red deer, fallow deer and wild boars are looking for food in the forest and on the heath. Predators such as the fox, badger, ermine and the rare pine marten are on the prowl. The sky and treetops are populated by rare birds such as the kingfisher, honey buzzard and raven. And six of the seven native Dutch reptile species are found there: the viper, smooth snake, grass snake, slow worm, sand lizard and viviparous lizard. It is therefore a wonderful, rich area for a wander by bike. The Van Lennepsmolen watermill in Velp is an overshot watermill. It was built in the 19th century for grinding grain. In 1961 the mill was largely destroyed by fire. The restored mill now houses a restaurant. In the Veluwezoom National Park you will encounter the Rhedense Sheep Herd. In 1960 the Veluws Heideschaap almost disappeared. Based on old breed descriptions, it has been bred back to what it must have looked like 100 years ago. The lambs are born at the end of January or the beginning of February. The sheepfold is also fun for children: the first Sunday of summer time is Lamb Day. You can pet and feed the lambs there and even adopt a lamb. Near the sheepfold you will also find the De Veluwezoom Visitor Center. You will learn everything about this special nature reserve. There is a shop, plenty of things for children to do and anyone who wants to enjoy a moment of rest can go to the brasserie. The Eerbeek Water Mill was already mentioned in 1395. The mill was restored in 1967 and made ready for grinding. The unique thing about it is that it is now the only working overshot water mill in the Netherlands. Oil is extracted from linseed. The last part of the route leads through the Loenense forest. Traditionally there are also two sheepfolds here. You won't cycle directly past it, but if you're lucky you will come across the peaceful herds on the heath. The woolly grazers form an image unchanged over the centuries, as if time has stood still here.