{"id":7074,"date":"2022-06-04T19:51:08","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T19:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=7074"},"modified":"2026-02-14T10:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T09:11:16","slug":"gravel-route-in-gelderland-strade-bianche-achterhoek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/gravelroute-in-gelderland-strade-bianche-achterhoek","title":{"rendered":"Gravel route in Gelderland: Exploring the Strade Bianche Achterhoek"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlike provinces such as South Holland, where it is searching for even the very first real gravel path, the east and north of the Netherlands is richly endowed with these adventurous routes. During our recent visit with Cycling Destination in Groningen<\/a>, we were also challenged to find a nice gravel route. In the Netherlands, the Achterhoek, that picturesque part of Gelderland between the river IJssel and the German border, predominates. In this region, the most beautiful gravel routes can be discovered. Previously, explorer Nynke explored this area and you can read her report here<\/a> reading. This time, I decided to explore on my own. That it would be a true voyage of discovery was something I could not have predicted beforehand. Curious about my experiences? Find out all about it in my latest article: \"Gravel routes in Gelderland: Exploring the Strade Bianche Achterhoek!\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

text and photos: Sander Kolsloot<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"strade<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Route - 56km Strade Bianche Achterhoek<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hengelo -> Gelderland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

About 25 years ago, I once played a youth tournament with a group of young guys. One of them was from Hengelo, Gelderland. It was specifically mentioned. That this was not the 'big' Hengelo, but a somewhat lesser-known village, in the Achterhoek. Even then, I had to search carefully for a while to find where it was again. Just above Zelhem, in the municipality of Bronckhorst, where you can find the smallest town in the Netherlands. Bronckhorst of the same name has just 90 inhabitants. No, Giovanni is not one of them. This is the proverbial gateway to the gravel heaven affectionately called 'Strade Bianche Achterhoek'. A good heaven has several gates and there is bound to be a back door too. Today I choose the entrance via Hengelo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"strade<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Coulissen,
Krek wak wolle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Long white strips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pet name 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 metres through the inspiring industrial area of Hengelo. Pretty soon after that it heads into the fields. In Utrecht, we know nice gravel paths (you can royal counting<\/a> around Soestdijk), but this is a breath of fresh air. Long white strips, with no house, human or animal in sight. Ranging from strips in the forest to the characteristic farm roads. Roads that are not already paved here because of the needs of yuppie residents. Whatever everyone tells you: it's true. It is thunderously beautiful here. Or is that Twents again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"gravel
gravel heaven less than an hour from home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Achterhoek,
Gravel's dream<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"dirt
Cart path - it's something<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Gravel in the Achterhoek: the latest hit?<\/a><\/blockquote>