West Veluwe Variation

Garderen is a popular starting point for cycling tours. It is also one of the few places in the region where you can rent bicycles on Sundays; reservations are a must, especially on that day. We soon cycle through the forest, but that doesn't last long. Then it continues for a long time past fields, meadows, farms and campsites. Beautiful routes along the edge of the forest and across the Appel Estate, where an attempt is being made to restore the heathland, provide variety. Subsequently, it is more often about separate cycle paths. The highlights are the winding path through the Sprielderbos, with tall deciduous trees, the route along the Ermelose Heide and the Kriemelberg, with a sheepfold where you can enjoy panoramic views. Staverden, according to the route description the smallest village in the Netherlands with 50 inhabitants, is a must. Stroll through the gardens of the estate, take a look at the water mill and enjoy the beautiful terrace. The route often continues along the other side of the heath and along the forest back to Garderen. On Sunday, after more than an hour from Garderen, we arrived at an address where we could have coffee: Het Smulhuisje near Krachtighuizen.