Grotel and Grotelheide

This beautiful circular route begins at the parking lot right next to the Grotels Hof hostel, Grotel 5 in Bakel.

The route leads through a diverse nature reserve with forests, heathlands, ponds, streams, and meadows.

From the starting point, it quickly follows the winding stream of De Esperloop, with a great view over the meadows. Here, a large herd of Scottish Highland cattle grazes, ensuring that the grass remains short and allowing heath and other plants to thrive.

Continuing on beautiful forest paths, you arrive at a small section of Stippelberg with some sand dunes. Further along the route, you have another lovely view over the meadows.
Additionally, you pass by the 128-meter-high concrete media mast, where a pair of kestrels has been nesting in a box for years.

The route then leads through meadows again to the Grotelsche Forest. Following lovely forest paths, you return to the Esperloop. We follow the winding stream, first through the forest and later back through the open meadows and heathlands. On the final stretch, you come to the weir on the Esperloop, and the walk ends.

A beautiful and varied path with plenty of nature, and there are many different bird species to observe, including the black and great spotted woodpecker, silver and blue heron, goldcrest, treecreeper, kestrel, and buzzard, among many others.

At the Grotels Hof hostel, food and drinks are available.