Gravel ride across the Crown Estate Het Loo - always something special

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It will always be something special: a gravelride about the Crown Estate Het Loo. Cycling through the area where the king and queen have their domain, say a yoke of a backyard, still gives a special feeling.

Text and photos: Arjan Stoopendaal

The Kroondomein is the largest contiguous estate in the Netherlands and is accessible almost all year round. Only in the period from 15 September to 25 December is much of it closed due to royal hunting, although not all roads remain closed. As has now become tradition, we go there every year as soon as it is open. We do so on or around the first day the area is fully open again. This time, there are two of us.

With winter it is even more beautiful here

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 by the route. Plenty of parking space, and to our surprise, the route also starts exactly there. It could hardly be any better.

From Hoog Soeren, we ride towards Assel and soon dive into Kroondomein Het Loo. The gravel paths are in fantastic shape and from the very first metres the gravel paths feel wonderful. As the sun breaks through, the scenery becomes more and more beautiful. Despite the cool temperatures, we soon get warm from cycling and the scenery.

Lots of variety

The route is wonderfully varied and takes us not only through the Crown Estate, but also through the Vierhouten Forest, the community forest of Nunspeet and the vast Nunspeet Forestry, the heath near Elspeet. Long straight gravel strips alternate with winding forest paths and open stretches of gravel with beautiful views.

Along the way, we follow sections along the Nijmolense Beek. Later in the ride, we cycle along De Cannenburgh estate, where the historic castle and the surrounding countryside provide a nice contrast to the natural surroundings of the forests. You also have the option on the way to climb the Watch Tower of De Stakenburg, which gives you great views. Also highly recommended

As it is exactly the first day after three months of closure, it is obviously a bit busier than usual. We encounter several gravel riders and mountain bikers, all equally happy to have access to this beautiful area again.

Wildspotting (hopefully)

With the sun shining, the views are truly magnificent. As always, you keep hoping for an encounter with wildlife: wild boar, deer, or who knows even the wolf. This time, too, it remains hope, but just riding through this unique nature reserve makes the trip more than worthwhile.

Halfway through, it's time for a coffee stop at The Fox Mountain in Vierhouten. A great place to warm up for a while before starting the second part of the ride.

Always cycling

The total distance of this gravel ride is about 70 kilometres. The route starts in High Soeren and can be found at Stoopendaal.co.uk. We have also enclosed the route via Veloplanner and say it yourself: highly recommended For anyone who wants to ride a varied and atmospheric gravel ride in winter. Or at any other time of year, of course, provided the Crown Estate is open.