W2023 Round Thorn, Kessenich (B)

Varied walking route starting from the parking lot on the Venlosesteenweg in Kessenich through the villages of Neeritter, Ittervoort, and Kessenich, and through the town of Thorn. The route passes by castle Borgitter, then continues through Neeritter (church, watermill), along the Itterbeek to Ittervoort (watermill, church). On the other side of the Napoleonsbaan, it continues along the nature reserve Vijverbroek to Thorn (protected townscape, church, various monumental buildings). From Thorn, it goes past the castle farm De Grote Hegge to the namesake gravel pit. Then further along this pit to and through the nature reserve Kollengreend, and then via the village of Kessenich (ruins of a motte/tumulus chapel) back to the nature reserve Vijverbroek and return to the starting point. Along the way, there are various benches, and food and drink options in Neeritter, Ittervoort, Thorn, and at the start/end point. The town of Thorn alone is worth a visit with its historic village center filled with many white houses and the Stifskerk (abbey church).