Tafelberg, Kasteel Rosendael and Doesburg Loop

This is a long, low-elevation day (or a very comfortable 2-day) loop through the southern edge of the Veluwe and the IJssel river landscape: broad beech and pine woods, open heath and sandy patches on the Veluwezoom ridges, then a big shift into dikes, floodplains, and the brick-and-gable streets of historic Doesburg. At ~53 km / ~33 mi with ~200 m / ~656 ft of total ascent, the effort comes more from time-on-feet and surface changes than from climbing.

Nearest clear start landmark (for planning): Parkeerplaats / entrance area for Park & Kasteel Rosendael, at/near Rosendael 1, 6891 DA Rozendaal (near Arnhem). (mapquest.com)
That location works well because it’s a known trailhead with paths immediately into the Rosendael estate and quick access to Veluwezoom tracks.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

• By car: Navigate in HiiKER to Park en Kasteel Rosendael (Rosendael 1, Rozendaal); there’s a dedicated parking area used by walkers visiting the estate and park. (wandeldingen.nl)
  
• By public transport: The wider area is well-served via Arnhem. A common approach is train to Arnhem, then onward to Rozendaal (or nearby Velp/Rheden depending on your exact line), and a short walk/taxi/bus connection to the castle/park entrance. If you prefer to start closer to Veluwezoom’s main gateway, Rheden is also a frequent access point for Veluwezoom walks (use HiiKER to choose the station-to-trail connection that matches your exact GPX). (ns.nl)
  

What the route feels like (and how to pace it)

At “easy” difficulty, this loop is best treated as an endurance walk: - Time estimate: 10–13 hours moving time for most hikers at 4–5 km/h (2.5–3.1 mph), plus stops. - Surfaces: estate lanes and compact gravel near Rosendael; forest singletrack and sandy stretches on Veluwezoom; then long, flat dike and riverside paths approaching Doesburg. - Navigation: The Veluwezoom has many intersecting tracks; plan to follow the line precisely in HiiKER, especially where multiple parallel paths run through similar-looking forest.

Rosendael estate to the Veluwezoom ridges (approx. 0–18 km / 0–11 mi)

You’ll start among the manicured-but-wooded landscapes of Park & Kasteel Rosendael, where straight estate avenues and older woodland blocks quickly make the hike feel “green” and sheltered. The castle is late-medieval in origin and the surrounding grounds are famous for ornamental landscape features—this is one of the most “designed” sections of the day, with a strong sense of historic landownership shaping the terrain. (en.visitarnhem.com)

As you leave the immediate parkland, the character shifts into Nationaal Park Veluwezoom, the Netherlands’ oldest national park, known for its mix of forests, heathlands, sand drifts, and estates. (en.wikipedia.org)
The climbing here is gentle but persistent—short rises onto low ridges, then shallow dips—adding up gradually toward your ~200 m / ~656 ft total for the full loop.

What to look for - Beech and mixed woodland on slightly higher ground, with occasional open edges where you can feel the landscape “lift.” - Heath and sandy patches where the canopy breaks—these open areas can be windy and feel cooler in shoulder seasons.

Wildlife notes (especially early/late in the day) Veluwezoom is known for large mammals including red deer and wild boar; you may also encounter signs of badger and (more rarely) pine marten. (nationaleparken.nl)
Give animals space—boar in particular can be defensive if surprised. Keep dogs leashed where required and avoid pushing through dense scrub at dawn/dusk.

Crossing toward the IJssel and into Doesburg (