It always remains something special: a gravel ride about Crown domain Het Loo. Cycling through the area where the king and queen had their domain, let’s just say it’s a real little gem of a backyard, still gives a special feeling.
Text and photos: Arjan Stoopendaal
The Crown Estate is the largest contiguous estate in the Netherlands and is open almost all year round. Only from 15 September to 25 December is a large part closed due to the royal hunting season; however, not all roads remain closed. As has become a tradition, we go there every year as soon as it opens. We do so on or around the first day the area is fully open again. This time we are two of us.
Weather forecast
The weather forecast is promising: cold, slightly freezing, but with sunshine. These are often the ingredients for a beautiful winter day on a bike. We park the car in High Soeren, Right near the route. Plenty of parking space, and to our surprise, the route also starts right there. Better than that, almost impossible.
From Hoog Soeren we head towards Assel and soon we reach Kroondomein Het Loo. The gravel paths are fantastic and from the first meters you can feel the gravel paths wonderfully smooth. As the sun breaks through, the landscape becomes more beautiful. Despite the cool temperatures, we soon get hot from cycling and the surroundings.
Lots of variety
The route is wonderfully varied and takes us not only through the Crown Dome, but also through the Fourhouten Forest, it Municipal forest of Nunspeet and Extensive Forest Guard Nunspeet, The heather at Elspeet. Long straight gravel paths are interspersed with winding forest paths and open stretches of gravel with beautiful views.
Along the way, we follow sections of the Nijmolense Beek. Later in the ride we cycle past Estate De Cannenburgh, Here, the historic castle and the surrounding landscape form a beautiful contrast with the nature of the forests. You also have the opportunity along the way to climb the lookout tower of De Stakenburg, which offers you a magnificent view. Also highly recommended.
Because it is exactly the first day after three months of closure, it is clearly busier than usual. We encounter several gravel riders and mountain bikers, all equally happy to have access to this beautiful area again.
Wild spots (hopefully)
With the sun shining, the views are truly spectacular. As always, you keep hoping for a sighting of wildlife: wild boars, deer, or even the wolf. This time too, it remains a hope, but just driving through this unique natural area alone makes the trip more than worth it.
Halfway there, it's time for a coffee stop at The Vossenberg in Vierhouten. A great place to warm up before we start the second part of the ride.
Always able to ride a bike
The total distance of this gravel ride is approximately 70 kilometers. The route starts in High Soeren and can be found at Stoopendaal.nl. We have also attached the route via Veloplanner and you can see for yourself: Absolutely recommended For anyone who wants to ride a varied and atmospheric gravel tour in the winter. Or at any other time of the year, of course, provided that the Crown Dome is open.
VeloPlanner
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.