Galgengoor Route, Pieterpad deel and Lokaal Vorden Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Vorden, a charming village in Gelderland, the Galgengoor Route, Pieterpad deel, and Lokaal Vorden Loop combine to create a gentle 17 km (about 10.5 miles) circuit with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near Vorden railway station, which is easily reached by train from Zutphen or Winterswijk, or by car with ample parking available at the station.

Getting Oriented and Setting Out

The route begins just steps from Vorden station, a recognizable landmark in the region. Hikers can use HiiKER for precise navigation throughout the loop. The trail quickly leads you away from the village, immersing you in the tranquil Achterhoek countryside, a landscape defined by patchwork fields, ancient woodlands, and winding streams.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Within the first 2 km (1.2 miles), you’ll pass through the Galgengoor estate, a historic woodland area once used as a gallows field in medieval times. Today, it’s a peaceful forest with towering oaks and beech trees, home to woodpeckers, tawny owls, and the occasional roe deer. The estate’s old carriage paths and mossy clearings evoke a sense of history, and interpretive signs along the way provide insight into the area’s past.

Continuing along the Pieterpad section, the route intersects with the famous long-distance trail that stretches from the north to the south of the Netherlands. Here, you’ll walk through open meadows and past traditional Dutch farms, some dating back centuries. At around 7 km (4.3 miles), the trail skirts the edge of the Hackfort estate, where you can catch glimpses of the 14th-century Hackfort Castle, surrounded by water and lush gardens. The castle grounds are open to the public, and a short detour allows for a closer look at this well-preserved piece of Dutch heritage.

Nature and Wildlife

The loop is renowned for its biodiversity. In spring and summer, wildflowers line the paths, and the hedgerows are alive with songbirds. The wetlands near the Baakse Beek stream, around the 10 km (6.2 miles) mark, attract herons, kingfishers, and sometimes even otters. The route’s flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it suitable for families and those seeking a leisurely pace, with benches and picnic spots thoughtfully placed along the way.

Practical Considerations

Public transport is straightforward: trains to Vorden run regularly from Zutphen, and the station is a short walk from the trailhead. For drivers, parking at Vorden station is free and usually plentiful. The entire loop is well-marked, but using HiiKER ensures you stay on track, especially where the route overlaps with local footpaths and the Pieterpad.

The trail’s easy rating, minimal elevation change, and mix of forest, farmland, and historic estates make it an ideal introduction to the scenic and culturally rich Achterhoek region.