Gravel route around Ulft in the Achterhoek

That the Achterhoek It goes without saying that it is a gravel wallhalla. At earlier times we were already in the Berkelland and around Zelhem, We rode two beautiful routes. Beautiful, long gravel paths that the Randstad rider will be jealous of. This time we rode a beautiful route from the beautiful town of Ulft, a village almost on the border with Germany. The route was the reconnaissance for the RTC tour of Ulft. Was it worth it? What do you think? This gravel route in the Achterhoek Around Ulft, it can be included in a collection.

Text: Sander Kolsloot, photos: Sander Kolsloot and Manon Bouwman – Hiddink

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Beautiful Achterhoek

I admit it. I am a suburban resident. Born and raised in Amersfoort. Through a detour through Leiden, Amsterdam, Haarlem and the megalomaniac city of Los Angeles, I ended up in Utrecht. In my youth and in my later adult years, the city was the Achterhoek, Also, really the BACK corner. Behind the IJssel, far away, close to Germany, Normaal and all the other prejudices you can throw at it. In short, you didn’t come there unless it was really necessary. Because the big cities, that’s where it happened. If I wanted to be in nature, I would have walked around Zeisterbos. A afternoon in Vondelpark, that’s also outside, right? Since I started cycling more actively in 2015, my perspective on the world has also changed drastically. Especially my image of the Netherlands has improved dramatically. The world is beautiful, the Netherlands is beautiful, including the Back Region.

Beautiful gravel route around Ulft

My cycling companion for today, Manon Bouwman, has prepared a beautiful gravel route. Or rather, she got it from her clubmates, who are preparing the tour. ‘Would she like to have a look with her event eye to see if this is a nice route’. That is a nice task. Then you can also take the route a little better into account. It is also useful because you can then assess: is this a nice gravel route for a group? The official route starts at RTC de Wildt. With almost 75 kilometers ahead of the thick tires, it promises to be a beautiful day.

Non Stop Gravel

Anyone who is familiar with the gravel routes in the Achterhoek knows that you can find them non-stop. Singletracks, farm paths, a scenery of fields where you have the choice between paved and unpaved roads plus beautiful natural areas. This is also what you will find on this route. As we leave the village, within two kilometers we already have the first unpaved forest paths in front of us. This is the precursor to a beautiful route.

Turning and turning

We drive through the landscape and turn around. Every time I am amazed at what appears behind the next bend. The ratio between gravel sections and paved road is perfect. Every now and then you have to cross over a bit, but those stretches of asphalt are never very long. A beautiful highlight on this route is the section around Outside the Ven. You really feel like you’re abroad, but you’re also away from the world for a while. Take the MTB route in this section in particular. Beautiful rolling terrain and a small, tricky climb. The result: a viewpoint with a lovely pond.

Zelhem, Germany and more

Gravel around Ulft also means close to Germany. First we search the fields and the forest around Zelhem, then through the beautiful nature reserve near the German border near Dinxperlo and through the Schievekamp nature reserve. If you are not used to this and live in the Randstad, you will want to buy a house right away. If you are used to it: still a wonderful route and area. If you already know the route, you can always add your own twist to it or drive it in the opposite direction. Because that is also always an option.

Route ULFT

This route is best taken during the tour of RTC de Wildt in Ulft. Do you want to participate in that? Then sign up through the association's website.

Overnight stay in the Achterhoek

Below you will find an overview of accommodation options in the Achterhoek for a nice weekend, a week, or just a night of cycling in this Gelderland region.