When you say the Netherlands and off-road together in one sentence, you quickly talk about the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Here you will find beautiful gravel paths such as the Let de Stigterpad and well-known MTB routes such as Amerongen and Leersum. You will also find nice restaurants and beautiful nature. The perfect mix for a weekend of offroading in this region. We chose Landal GreenParks Amerongse Berg as a base of operations. This as part of our 12 months, 12 provinces, 12 parks trip in partnership with Landal GreenParks.
Photos: Jorrit Pepping
MTB routes on the Utrecht Hill Ridge
It had been a while since we were on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, or in cycling vernacular also called the UHR. As avid MTBers from the north of the country, we are a little less spoilt when it comes to routes. On Saturday, the three of us set out to ride the Amerongen route. After a solid start up Amerongse berg (68m), you ride onto the route after about 10 minutes from the park. An 18km route with almost 400 altimeters. Those you have to go up, but also down. And that, of course, is what we come for! Over well-built flow trails, everyone can push their bikes to the limit, or just enjoy a moment of rest. In the Marmottenbak and on Harry Slinger, you get a whiff of bikepark-like foreign trails.
Soaking wet outside
We are here in December, and in a pretty wet period. Although we do get dirty, the trails are in very good shape. Apart from a puddle here and there, the high altitude and sandy soil mean there is very little mud. However, this is not a problem because once back at the park, you can clean your bike at the bikewash. This is a simple garden hose with hanging facilities, but with your own cleaning products here you can make your bike shiny clean again for the next day. After taking good care of the bike, we also took advantage of it: the cottage has a sauna. Absolutely great for warming up in in the winter after a bike ride!
On Sunday, in addition to Amerongen, we also try out the Leersum and Kwintelooijen route. At Leersum you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, here long, winding singletracks alternate with wide climbs and beautiful views over the heathland. We are thick with enjoyment, you don't come across much of this in the Netherlands! The Leersum route qualifies as 'average' on MTB routes, making it slightly easier than Amerongen. It is a very flowy roller coaster with lots of turns and turns, slightly less rough roots than the other routes and thus very suitable to start with if you have less experience with some more technical courses or with the gravel bike.
On to Kwintelooijen
Via the Amerongen route, we cross over to Kwintelooijen. This one is of a totally different nature. Whereas UHR routes are often known for their flow, it is less so here. This route is rough, with steep climbs and descents, fewer bowl turns, a gully descent and drops over roots. If you want technical challenge, this is the place to be! As a finale, this is a tough one, in the 3.2km singletrack there are 150 altimeters, so we all feel them in the legs. As up as down you need technique to turn short and get over the roots too well. Really cool if you're looking for some more challenging routes! Despite only being a short section, you can totally pedal yourself to pieces here and not have a moment's rest. This makes Kwintelooijen one of the toughest MTB routes in the Netherlands on almost un-Dutch trails.
Landal Amerongse Berg: The ideal base for offroading on the UHR!
With the comfortable cottage, bikewash and beautiful MTB routes nearby, this is a place we definitely recommend for a weekend the MTB. Whether you want to prepare for adventures abroad or just unwind in a wooded area, this is the place to be! Around the park you will also find the famous cycling café 'the Prologue', restaurants to grab a bite to eat along the way and supermarkets. Oh yes, perhaps most importantly if you are going to cycle here: Don't forget your vignette! This is compulsory to cycle on the routes!
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