D8 Around the Bömberg

The route D8 - Around the Bömberg starts its approximately 5-kilometer path from the hiking car park in Eichholz near Neschen. Initially, it follows the same route as the reservoir path to the dam of the Große Dhünn reservoir. The view of the vast water surface gently nestled between the hill ranges is impressive here. In contrast, the massive dam rises, and the Dhünn flows again below the dam in its idyllic valley floodplain. Along the southern slopes towards the Dhünn valley, the path then leads through the forest to the Bömericher Bach. Following the stream upstream, passing by the Bömericher mill, the village of the same name is reached. Through meadows, a gravel path leads straight to the state road 310. The path now winds back through Neschen and Eichholz to the hiking car park.

Tip: Enjoy the unique view from the dam of the Große Dhünn reservoir by briefly deviating from the circular path and taking a short additional walk over the dam. Benches invite you to linger; a rest area just before the Wupperverband's operational building with a magnificent view of the Loosenau just below the dam is an ideal picnic spot.
Loosenau - that's what the area below the dam is called. Here, the view falls on the settling basin and the pump house to the right, which was put into operation in 1987. After the settling basin and the level measuring system, the Dhünn finally meanders back into its natural stream bed downstream. The now 300-year-old, stately half-timbered house in the floodplain has belonged to the Wupperverband's forestry administration since 1974. In the past, three gunpowder mills stood there - old documents prove that they exploded several times.
The circular path D8 leads back into the forest before the dam and from here runs along the southern slopes to the Dhünn valley, passing by Bömberg to the Bömericher Bach. A shelter here invites you to take a break. To the left of the stream, the path now ascends until the Bömericher mill is in sight. Following the switchbacks, climb up the right slope to the Hofschaft Bömerich. The path passes above the mill and allows a picturesque view of the well-preserved mill buildings and the mill pond. Behind the Hofschaft, you cross the valley floor again. In front of you lies open pastureland, which is crossed on a well-paved gravel path to the state road 310. To the left, you can see the small church tower of St. Michael's Church in the center of Neschen. Continue along the road to the beautifully converted water tower of the former Neschen water cooperative, now a rest area. Via Eichholzer Weg, the route finally leads through the village back to the starting point of the circular path at the hiking car park.