Unlike provinces like South Holland, where the search for even the very first real gravel trail is ongoing, the east and north of the Netherlands are richly endowed with these adventurous routes. During our recent visit with Cycling Destination in Groningen, we were also challenged to find a beautiful gravel route. In the Netherlands, the Achterhoek, that picturesque stretch of Gelderland between the IJssel and the German border, takes center stage. In this region, the most beautiful gravel routes can be discovered. Explorer Nynke explored this area earlier and her report can be found here. here Reading. This time I decided to go on an exploration of my own. I couldn’t have predicted that it would be a true journey of discovery. Curious about my experiences? Find out all about it in my latest article: “Gravel Routes in Gelderland: Exploring the Strade Bianche Achterhoek!”
text and photos: Sander Kolsloot
Hengelo -> Gelderland
About 25 years ago, I played a youth tournament with a group of young guests. One of them came from Hengelo, Gelderland. It was specifically mentioned there. That this wasn’t about the ‘big’ Hengelo, but about a somewhat less well-known village in the Achterhoek. Even then, I had to spend some time searching to find out where it was located. Just above Zelhem, in the municipality of Bronckhorst, where you can find the smallest city in the Netherlands. The eponymous Bronckhorst has only 90 inhabitants. No, Giovanni is not one of them. This is the proverbial gateway to the gravel heaven that is affectionately called ‘Strade Bianche Achterhoek’. A good heaven has multiple gates and there is surely also a back door. Today I choose the entrance via Hengelo.
Long white strips
The nickname for this gravel route in Gelderland, Strade Bianche Achterhoek, is not for nothing. The start of the route is still on asphalt and a few hundred meters through the inspiring industrial area of Hengelo. Pretty soon after that, you’re on the fields. In Utrecht we know of nice gravel paths (you can Royal graveling around Soestdijk), but this is a delight. Long white strips, without you seeing a house, a person, or an animal in sight. Varying from strips in the forest to the characteristic country lanes. Which are not all paved here because of the need of lively residents. Whatever everyone says: it’s true. It’s really beautiful here. Or is that just Twentish?
Cullis landscape
If you search for beautiful gravel and road bike routes, you’ll read a lot about the characteristic scenery. For the scrabble enthusiasts among us, this is one to remember. For the gravel enthusiasts: you have beautiful paths marked by trees and many rows of them one after another. It produces stunning photos and above all it offers protection from the sun on the hottest days. Still, I would advise starting early in the day. It will never be as crowded here as in the dunes of North Holland on a Sunday afternoon, but the tranquility and space on a Saturday morning is bizarre. With a suburban perspective, of course.
Ruurlo
Today’s route leads past the versatile Ruurlo. A stop at the beautiful castle is a must. Not only because of the beauty of this building, but also because of the MTB/gravel route that runs quite close by. It offers a beautiful backdrop for photos. From there, it continues through the forests and fields. There is a mix of paved and unpaved roads. After Ruurlo, you have to cross the road for a bit longer. The chance that you can ride 100% gravel in the Netherlands is almost zero. There are still a few nice ‘fun things’ in the route. When you stand somewhere and think, should I seriously leave here now? The path along the ditch is quite narrow and there is a ditch further down, but in reality it’s not really a path. Well, that’s the charm of hiking the explorer trail.
Over the top
The beautiful gravel route in the Achterhoek continues, and more and more often I see the sign ‘you are on private property’. It is nevertheless kind of the landowners and young ladies to open their beautiful back gardens to us. You can find mostly hard gravel here, but sometimes you come across a sandy path. Then it is a bit of a struggle, but you can get through that too quickly. What stands out the most is: enjoying. Just after my halfway point, I get overconfident. Something goes wrong on a section marked as ‘beautiful gravel path’ on Komoot. I misjudge a bend and slide down hard. The result? A deep bruise in the knee, a scraped shoulder, some bruises and mostly a broken morale. I take a moment to rest, straighten my shifter and clean the wounds. That is suffering in pain.
Helga from football
The choice was made quickly. More gravel means more dust and that gets all over the wounds. Fast home via straight asphalt roads is the alternative. With only about 10 kilometers left I pass by the local football club on the way. I see a lot of people and in my mind it always stays (those youth tournaments again): then there is also an ambulance attendant present. I park the bike in front of the canteen and eventually I am helped by Helga. A tough lady who briefly examines me and quickly says: ‘It will be alright’. The wound is thoroughly cleaned, bandaged around it and with some home-and-garden tips it is taken care of. The girls waiting to close up look a little subdued. Apparently I have a serious war wound. Well, that’s part of it.
After the ride
Although my ride was somewhat cut short by the fall, I still managed to ride some beautiful gravel paths in the final part. It is truly stunning here and as I already mentioned: you hardly encounter anyone. Almost no cars, no other cyclists, not even e-bikes that drive straight across the narrow bike paths. I can count the number of encounters and short ‘hi’ moments on two hands. I find that a plus point.
Gravel route in Gelderland: Strade Bianche Achterhoek
Are you itching to explore this route too? You’ll find the Komoot file below. If you’re looking for more inspiration for beautiful routes in the Achterhoek, all you have to do is take a look at the website of Outdoor Achterhoek. Here you’ll find a variety of routes, mainly starting from Lochem and around Zeddam. Whether you’re interested in gravel or race adventures, there’s something for everyone. Despite my fall, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this experience!
The route from this story
- Achterhoek Gravel Strade Bianche – 56k56.3 km · 39 hmGPX ↓
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.