Winterswijk national landscape

This tour south of Winterswijk takes you through part of the Winterswijk National Landscape. In this beautiful Achterhoek bocage landscape with its characteristic small plots and large ash trees you cycle through bushes, avenues and hedgerows and along meandering streams in narrow valleys. Beautiful, old farms and small hamlets are scattered across the country. Typical for this region are the so-called Scholtehoeves: the former residences of the influential Scholte farmers. Watermill Berenschot is the start and end point of your route. This undershot water mill is a national monument and is located in the nature reserve of the Knownelle. It was built in 1652 as part of the Plekenpol manor and was rebuilt in 1749. The front of the mill was designed in the 1920s or 1930s in the Art Deco style, which a mill is unique. The mill runs regularly and can be viewed by appointment. You don't have to go to France or Italy for quality wines: just take a look at Vineyard De Reeborghesch. This vineyard is not the only wine producer in the region: Reeborghesch, together with eleven other wine growers in the region, forms the Cooperative United Achterhoek Wine Growers. Windmill De Meenkmolen is a belt mill from 1851. In 1883 the flour company was expanded with a mill and a sawmill, initially powered by a steam engine, later by a diesel engine. The mill buildings are next to the mill. Grain is still regularly ground on a voluntary basis with wind power.