The Pieterpad - Vorden to Groesbeek 6 days

Just before Vorden lies the beautiful castle of the same name. Right behind it, on the other side of the Vordense stream, you'll find the memorial to Toos and Bertje, the designers of the trail. Here you can literally follow in their footsteps! Continuing your walk, you'll hike through the varied landscape of the Kieftskamp estate and, passing through the small village of Linde, reach 't Zelle. This monumental property, formerly a farm, is now a recreational park. Before you arrive in Zelhem, you'll walk through the now wooded 't Zand, once a vast dune area.

Overnight stay: Zelhem

The hike begins through the beautiful rolling hills of Heidenhoek. Here stands the imposing silo tower inscribed "Boeyink Cattle Feed"—a remarkable monument also known as the "Cathedral." The next prominent landmark is Slangenburg Castle. Inhabited and remodeled by various owners since the 14th century, it now serves as a guesthouse. Continuing along the path, you cross the Old IJssel, an important river for the iron industry in the 18th century. Passing the Waalse Wasser, you continue towards Braamt. You can be sure of your arrival when you are facing the Braamse Mill. Half an hour before reaching Braamt, you can call the hotel in Zeddam—they will then pick you up in Braamt. If you prefer to continue hiking, it is approximately another 2 km to Zeddam.

Overnight stay: Braamt

You can ask your accommodation in Zeddam to drop you off in Braamt again, or you can walk the 2 km back to the route. Here, in the east of Gelderland, right on the German border, lies the beautiful Montferland. A hilly, wooded area with magnificent views. You hike through the Bergherwald forest and over the Hulzenberg hill, where there's a lookout tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. You might encounter people without shoes along the way, as you're following a barefoot path! You'll reach the former border post of Tolkamer on the Waal river, from where you can take the ferry to Millingen on the Rhine.

Overnight location: Millingen aan de Rijn

The day begins in the area known as "Duffelt." Hiking through these river meadows, just before the village of Leuth, you'll pass Plezenburg, a striking Terp farmhouse dating back to 1810. The trail continues along the Wylerbergmeer lake and up to Duivelsberg. This 76-meter-high hill is part of the Nijmegen Hills, formed during the last Ice Age. At the top, you'll find the remains of the 11th-century Mergelp motte-and-bailey castle. Here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Ooypolders and the banks of the Waal River. The route then leads through the rolling hills of the Nederrijk estate until you finally arrive in the wine village of Groesbeek.

Overnight stay: Groesbeek

The journey ends in Groesbeek and you can either depart after breakfast or extend your hike along the Pieterpad trail, for example to Swalmen.

Additional nights in Groesbeek are possible; prices and availability upon request.