Geopad 180a-Houten-the Old Wulven-Brinkroute

This route initially leads to an area with trees that belongs to the northern side of the built-up area and to the former estate of Oud Wulven. On the way back, you pass the protected monument farmstead of Nieuwoord and a primarily natural watercourse. After passing a green area with a brook-like stream, the route runs along some ancient farms and country houses to the old village center of Houten, partially located around a square. Subsequently, the former connection to the hamlet of Loerik rewards with various ancient buildings. The last section of the route passes by, among other things, the former train station of Houten and an old general cemetery.

1. The area of the route lies entirely west-southwest of the railway line. There, you go past the town hall over Het Kant and the wide-curved Weerwolfseind to the intersection with Lobbendijk, where you turn right. A number of the old trees that have remained there reveal that this used to be a country road.

2. The Lobbendijk approaches the railway line, where, after passing an old farmhouse, the Rondweg is crossed. The route then takes you into the countryside, where it almost directly turns 90 degrees to the left. First, you pass a small Rhine garden laid out along the Rondweg. After that, you pass by the former landscape architecture park called Makeblijde. Some of its plots are now used for what is called urban farming.

3. Immediately behind the area of Makeblijde lies the shady hamlet of Oud Wulven. There, Lobbendijk ends at a T-junction with the Oud Wulfseweg, which you follow to the left. The route then leads to another T-junction, where you again turn left. A bike path then goes through a tunnel under the Rondweg back into the built-up area, where you pass the both impressive and protected monument farmstead Nieuwoord. Shortly thereafter, the gently curving street Troubadoursborch follows a primarily natural watercourse. The ending "borch" in the street name is characteristic. Even in the small adjacent residential area, the street names end with "borch".

4. Troubadoursborch ends at a fork. You have now arrived at the green area that the route subsequently crosses. This green area flanks a brook-like dug waterway.
Beyond the green area, the old streets Lupineoord and Herenweg lead into the charming old village center of Houten. Both streets also showcase a number of protected ancient buildings. Along Herenweg, there are also some impressive country houses.

5. Herenweg ends at a T-junction with the Burgemeester Wallerweg, almost completely flanked by old buildings. Turn left here to get to know the shady square of the village center. Especially a century-old church tower and some dining establishments will draw attention there.

6. Beyond the square, the formerly relatively significant Loerikse Weg leads to the vicinity of the former 19th-century train shed of Houten. Along the street, various ancient buildings inspire, including an impressive Roman Catholic church.
Near the railway line, you turn diagonally left to see the displaced former train shed of Houten. On some afternoons during the week, a historic museum can be visited. There, you can also find a dining establishment.

7. The old train shed stands at the end of an avenue along the railway line. Follow this to Vlierweg, where you turn left. Vlierweg was part of the former connection to Odijk.
It's no wonder that there are quite old country houses and farms standing there.

8. Follow Vlierweg to Prinses Ireneweg, where you turn right over a triangular green area. To the right of this street, the shady general cemetery already draws attention.
Three hundred meters further, you can return to the vicinity of the train station via the winding road De Slinger, where the walk began. A series of city apartments were built on De Slinger in 2017.