Ginkelse Heide, Rozendaalsche Velde and De Wetbos Loop

This is a long, mostly flat-to-gently-rolling heath-and-woodland circuit of roughly 66 km (41 mi) with about 400 m (1,310 ft) of total ascent—more of an endurance day than a steep climb. Expect wide sandy tracks across open heath, long straight forest lanes, and occasional short, punchy rises where the Veluwe’s glacial sands form low ridges. In dry spells the sand can feel surprisingly energy-sapping; after rain, some forest sections can hold water and turn soft underfoot.

Getting to the start (public transport + car)

Because the start point is listed only as “near,” the most practical way to anchor this loop is to begin from a major, well-known access point that sits between the named areas (Ginkelse Heide / Rozendaalsche Velde / De Wetbos) and has parking and transit options:

• Best all-round start landmark: Ede-Wageningen railway station (Ede, Netherlands) area, then a short bus/taxi/bike transfer to the heath access points around Ede (common gateways toward Ginkelse Heide).
  
  • By train: Frequent trains run to Ede-Wageningen from larger hubs (e.g., Utrecht/Arnhem). From the station, local buses typically connect toward Ede and Veluwe access points; if you’re planning a very early start, check first/last bus times.
  • By car: Use Ede as your approach town; there are multiple signed Veluwe parking areas on the edges of heath/forest. Choose a car park that’s clearly marked for heath access and has enough capacity for a full-day outing.

If you share the exact lon/lat for the “Hike head,” I can pin it to the nearest named car park, station, or landmark and tailor the first/last kilometers precisely.

What the terrain feels like over 66 km / 41 mi

• Underfoot: A mix of compacted forest road, sandy heath tracks, and occasional narrower singletrack-like paths. Sand is the main “hidden difficulty”—it’s not technical, but it can slow pace and increase calf/ankle fatigue.
• Elevation: The 400 m (1,310 ft) gain is typically spread out in small increments. You’ll notice it as repeated gentle rises rather than any sustained climb.
• Exposure: Heath sections can be windy and feel exposed; forests provide shelter but can be darker and cooler.

Route character and key landscapes

You’re linking three distinct Veluwe flavors:

Ginkelse Heide
Open heathland is the headline here: broad views, big skies, and a sense of space that’s rare in the Netherlands. Late summer often brings purple heather tones, while spring and early summer can be greener with more bird activity. Tracks here are often sandy and braided—easy to wander off-line if you’re not paying attention—so keep your route loaded in HiiKER and watch for parallel paths that look equally “main.”

Rozendaalsche Velde
This area tends to feel more transitional—heath and woodland mosaics—where you move between open patches and forest edges. Forest margins are where you’re most likely to spot wildlife moving between cover and feeding areas.

De Wetbos
Expect denser woodland character: straighter forestry lanes, more shade, and a quieter feel under the canopy. After wet weather, this is where you’re most likely to encounter soft ground and puddled sections, especially on lower-lying tracks.

Landmarks, nature, and wildlife to look out for

• Heathland ecology: Heath is a managed landscape—without grazing and cutting, it would gradually revert to scrub and forest. You may see evidence of management (cut strips, grazing areas, or fenced sections).
• Wildlife: The Veluwe region is known for large mammals. Depending on season and time of day, you may see red deer, roe deer, and wild boar sign (tracks, rooting, droppings). Keep distance, especially from boar—give them space and avoid surprising them in dense cover.
• Birdlife: Heath and forest edges can host raptors and ground-nesting birds. If you encounter seasonal path diversions or roped-off areas, they’re often for habitat protection—respect closures.
• Insects: In warmer months, expect mosquitoes/gnats near wetter woodland pockets; ticks can be present in heath/rough grass—long socks and a post-hike check are sensible.

Historical significance you’ll feel on the ground

This part of the Netherlands carries layers of human land-use history: heathlands often reflect centuries of grazing, sod-cutting, and nutrient-poor sandy soils shaped by people as much as by nature. In the broader Veluwe area, you’ll also find traces of wartime history and military training use in some zones; you may pass signage indicating restricted areas or former use—follow posted rules and stay on permitted tracks.

Navigation and pacing (this is where “Easy” can mislead)

Technically, the walking is straightforward—no scrambling, no steep exposure—but 66 km (41 mi) is a long day. The main challenges are: - Distance management: Plan your day in chunks (e.g., 10–15 km / 6–9 mi segments) with deliberate breaks. - Path density on the heath: Multiple parallel sandy tracks can cause small navigational errors that add up. Keep HiiKER handy and confirm you’re on the intended line at major junctions. - Monotony risk: Long straight forest lanes can lull attention; it’s easy to miss a turn.

Water, food, and resupply planning

On heath/forest