Enjoy from Renswoude towards Amersfoort and Leusden

This route takes you through the beautiful nature in the Gelderse Vallei, a region in the center of the Netherlands between Amersfoort, Barneveld and Veenendaal. This relatively low-lying area has a wet character. Here you cycle through a landscape that consists of a mix of grassland and small forests and heathlands. In some parts of the area, blue grassland can still be seen, a vulnerable grassland that occurs on nutrient-poor, wet soils in stream valleys and fens. Part of the former Grebbe Line, the preliminary defense of the Dutch Water Line, is located in the Gelderland valley. In 1745, the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands started constructing the Grebbe Line to protect Holland against enemy invasions through inundation. The line was maintained until the end of the nineteenth century. In 1926, a large part of the fortifications were removed. However, in 1939 the Grebbe Line was put into use again due to the German threat. In 1951 the line officially lost its defensive function, but not its cultural-historical value! The defense line was given the status of a national monument in 2011 because it is a unique sample of defense works. The line is partly located on the Valleikanaal that you cycle along. On your route you will see a number of other monumental buildings. At Renswoude you will pass Renswoude Castle. This castle has two faces. The rear facade is completely covered in white plaster and is reminiscent of a lush country estate, while the front with the towers has a real castle appearance. The castle park contains deciduous trees with an average age of 150 years. You should not miss the Stoutenburg Estate if you want to know more about the nature and cultural history of the Gelderse Valley. In the cinema you can learn everything about the Heerlijkheid Stoutenburg. A little later you drive past Den Olden Florus, one of the oldest post mills in the Netherlands. The exact year of construction of the flour mill is unknown, but it is certain that the mill was built before 1584. The route starts and ends at the free parking lot of restaurant De Dennen in Renswoude. In 2009, this restaurant celebrated its 75th anniversary. De Dennen is now run by the third Van de Wetering generation and has developed from a cozy café into an excellent family restaurant. You can eat à la carte here in a friendly, hospitable atmosphere. Besides a delicious meal, you have another reason to come back here: you can also drive route 127085 from this location.