Elbertsbosch, Noordmolen and De Haar Loop

This is a long, flat, countryside-and-estate loop of about 29 km (18.0 mi) with essentially 0 m (0 ft) of elevation gain—the kind of day where distance is the main challenge, not hills. Expect a steady rhythm on a mix of estate lanes, farm tracks, and woodland paths as you stitch together three distinct “chapters”: the quiet woods of Elbertsbosch, the water-and-heritage hub around Noordmolen, and the open, pastoral feel around De Haar.

A practical, easy-to-find place to anchor the start is near Delden at De Eschmolen (Molenstraat, Delden)—a prominent landmark with nearby access to the Twickel landscape. If you prefer to begin closer to the watermill section, Noordmolen Twickel, Noordmolen 5, 7495 VK Ambt Delden is the key landmark for the middle of the loop, but note that parking rules on the estate are strict (details below). (noordmolen-twickel.nl)

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

By car - If you’re using Noordmolen Twickel as your “start/finish focus,” be aware that parking is prohibited across the Twickel estate, including at the mill itself, except for limited-access situations. The mill’s own guidance points walkers to designated parking areas such as: - Parkeerlocatie ’t Hoogspel, Bornsestraat 1, 7495 VL Ambt Delden (about 1.2 km / 0.75 mi walk to the mill) - Parkeerlocatie Kasteel Twickel, Twickelerlaan 6, 7495 VG Ambt Delden (also about 1.2 km / 0.75 mi to the mill) (noordmolen-twickel.nl)
- If you’re starting nearer Delden, the Eschmolen area is commonly used as a practical access point for routes in this landscape, and Twickel also notes it as an easy place to start longer routes because parking is available nearby. (twickel.nl)

By public transport - The most straightforward rail access is Delden railway station (on the Zutphen–Glanerbeek line between Zutphen and Hengelo). From the station, you can walk out into the estate edge and connect to the loop via Delden’s lanes and paths. (mapcarta.com)

What the terrain feels like over 29 km / 18 mi

Because the route is essentially flat, pacing and foot comfort matter more than climbing fitness: - Underfoot: expect long stretches of firm estate track and quiet paved lanes, broken up by softer woodland tread in Elbertsbosch and occasional damp edges near watercourses around the mill. - Effort profile: “easy” in terms of gradients, but 29 km (18 mi) is still a full day—plan for 6–8 hours depending on breaks and surface conditions. - Navigation: the estate has many intersecting lanes and similar-looking junctions; load the route in HiiKER and keep an eye on turns where straight-ahead options look equally “right.”

Elbertsbosch: the quiet woodland section

Early in the loop, Elbertsbosch brings a noticeable change in atmosphere—more shelter, softer light, and a more enclosed feel than the surrounding farmland. This forest sits near Deldeneresch/Ambt Delden and is one of the greener, calmer pockets in the Twickel area. (mapcarta.com)

What to look for here: - **