Enjoy from Renswoude towards Amersfoort and Leusden

This route takes you through the beautiful nature in the Gelderse Vallei, a region in the middle of the Netherlands between Amersfoort, Barneveld and Veenendaal. This relatively low-lying area has a wet character. You cycle through a landscape that consists of a mix of grassland and small forest and heathland areas. 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 lowland bogs. In the Gelderse valley lies part of the former Grebbelinie, the forward defence of the Dutch Waterline. In 1745, the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands started the construction of the Grebbelinie to protect Holland against enemy invasions by means of inundation. The line was maintained until the end of the nineteenth century. In 1926, a large part of the fortifications were dismantled. However, in 1939, the Grebbelinie was put back into use because of 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 national monument in 2011 because it forms a unique example of defense works. The line is partly located on the Valleikanaal, which 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 plasterwork and is reminiscent of a lush country estate, while the front with the towers has a real castle appearance. In the castle park there are 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 Vallei. In the cinema you will learn everything about the Lordship of Stoutenburg. A little later you will cycle past Den Olden Florus, one of the oldest standard mills in the Netherlands. The exact year the corn mill was built is unknown, but it is certain that the mill was built before 1584. The route starts and ends at the freely accessible parking lot of restaurant De Dennen in Renswoude. In 2009, this restaurant celebrated its 75th anniversary. De Dennen is now run by the third generation of Van de Wetering and has developed from a cozy café into an excellent family restaurant. You can eat à la carte here in a friendly, hospitable atmosphere. In addition to a delicious meal, you have another reason to come back here again: from this location you can also drive route 127085.