🍂🌳🍄Utrechtpath: Amerongen forests, fields and mountain hike -+18km🍄🌳🍂

The Utrecht path is a long distance hiking path (totally 163 km) through the gorgeous valleys of the province Utrecht, in the centre of the Netherlands.

This part is a varied hike of (-+ 15 to 20 km, depending on weather and how it goes), starting from train station NS Veenendaal-WEST. The hike goes through extensive and dense woods, vast moors and along reflective fens of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug-South.

Come, seize your day with another forest hike with beutiful autumn colours this time of the year!

Gathering 10:40 @ train station NS Veenendaal-WEST and we end at bus station Donderberg in Leersum, where you can take the bus to train station NS Driebergen-Zeist or Utrecht.
* We might shorten the hike to -+15 km and end at bus stop Dorp in Amerongen (in case of bad weather).

We will pass different highlights:

The Amerongen forest:
The Amerongen forest is the oldest one in this area, it has been built in the 18th century by the lanlords of the castle nearby for hunting. It is a varied forest with geometric sand lanes interspersed with production coniferous forest.

Amerongen mountain with the lonely oak
The route leads through these forests up to the lonely oak. From there it goes to almost 70 meters above sea level at the Amerongen mountain, the highest point of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug!

Restaurant Mas Monagne
Soon we will roll down along imposing lanes towards the fancy and cozy restaurant Mas Monagne, middle in the forest. Here we can have a break and enjoy good food and drinks.
See https://www.masmontagne.nl/

Nature reserve Leersumse field and heather
After that we continue our walk through the forest to the nature reserve Leersumse field. There is also a rich birdlife, which can be admired from an observation hut!
Then you come across a very narrow path on the border of forest and an immense rugged heather with some drifting dunes to complete the beautiful picture.
* if we shorten the route to -+ 16 km, we will skip this part.

Leersum village
At the end we will pass the hills of the Donderberg to the village of Leersum, where we can have a drink before taking the bus back to the train.

* The hike can be shortened, depending on the weather and how it goes.

Autumn Is a Second Spring when every leaf is a flower.' -Albert Camus-

'I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees' -Henry David Thoreau -

Notifications:

• Meet up contribution fee: Eur 4,- for early birds before 23 October/ Euro 5,- from 23 October to be paid directly when signing by tickie (you can change the amount):
• https://www.ing.nl/particulier/betaalverzoek/index.html?trxid=9IhG3aTIJwsAzBOc2YfJUTtPHM0PXT4A
• We walk fast at (5 km an hour average) with 2/3 breaks, you should be fit for it and used to long distance walks of -+ 15 to 20 km ;-).
• Be aware that the hike will take the whole day and that the ending time is approximate.
• Bring sufficient water, snacks and lunch, although we might stop at a restaurant.
• I advise to wear comfortable hiking shoes and gear with layers and a rain coat.
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, participating is at your own risk.
• The hike might be cancelled or postponed in case of extreme bad weather or few people signed up. Check messages for last-minute updates the evening before.
• Please only sign up if you are attending to join. And change your RSVP if something unexpected occurs. Last-minutes cancellations are not appreciated and NO SHOWS will be recorded! No refund. Thank you.