Migration birds trail: from Ede to Otterlo – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Today I am hiking the section of the Migration birds trail between Ede and Otterlo in the Netherlands. The trail is about 20 kilometres with no possibility of stopping earlier. Fortunately, the trail passes through interesting nature reserves such as Ginkelse Heide and Planken Wambuis, so the length will not be a punishment.

Hoekelum Estate

The last time I hiked the Migration birds trail (from Rhenen), I ended up in Ede where roadworks blocked the easy way to the station. By now, the roadworks are over and I walk straight to the trail’s pick-up point. At least, that’s what I think. I turned left a little too early and, seeing the white-red markings, I think I have found the trail, but I turn out to be walking in the opposite direction. This does make me end up at Hoekelum farm, which is where I really should have picked up the trail.

It looks beautiful at Hoekelum estate. The sunshine and rhododendrons give it a colourful look. Also near the farm, I see a great spotted woodpecker emerge from a tree cavity. From the high-pitched squeaking sound after it, I hear that a nest with young is hiding in the tree.

Several wooden shoe trails also start at Hoekelum Farm: the Harsloër trail and the Breukereng trail. I came across these trails on the previous section of the Migration birds trail.

Once in the right direction, I come through the woods of Hoekelum estate with nice winding paths along a stream. Here again I have to pay attention, as there is also an NS trail (towards Wageningen) that uses the red and white markings. I managed to stay on the right trail this time, though.

A little further on, I see a butterfly hanging from a tree trunk. It is a beautiful brown butterfly and it turns out to be a tau emperor moth. The front is even more beautiful (see link!): a yellow-brown butterfly with four blue eye-spots containing a white t-shape (hence the name). This species belongs to the night peacock moth family. It is a rare butterfly, how lucky am I!

I think the shape of the wings is a bit strange, but later I see that they are actually two butterflies in an intimate embrace. Did I just disturb them mating, sorry 🙈.

Ginkelse Heide

I go under an overpass where a beautiful mural makes it clear that the Ginkelse Heide, on the other side of the tunnel, has a war (World War II) history.

It is busy at the Ginkelse Heide. I want to sit at a picnic spot, but a whole procession of teenagers on bicycles arrives and occupies it. I walk a little further where I can sit quietly on a bench.

I enjoy the spring sunshine and the view. I see a little bird fly up and dive down. From the lu-lu-lu sound, I hear that it is a lark.

Woodlark
You can recognise a woodlark mainly by its flight. With an wavy motion, it first flies upwards, before spiralling downwards again. The bird has a sand-coloured plumage with black speckles. It also has a short crest and tail, and a black eyebrow stripe.

This species is found on sandy grounds, heathlands and dune areas. The woodlark breeds from March to July with two nests per year and 3-5 eggs at a time.



Source (in Dutch): Vogelbescherming

During this hike, I encountered more birds. Below is the checklist of species I saw and heard.

At the end of the Ginkelse Heide is the famous World War II memorial. Unfortunately, there are roadworks around it and I cannot get near it to take a photo.

I cross a main road and then walk past a holiday park surrounded by flowering rhododendrons. Not much later, I see a boardwalk surrounded by even more rhododendrons. I am curious to see where the boardwalk ends up. It is not part of the trail, but I take a look anyway. The path leads me to platform overlooking a pond. What a beautiful spot!

Nature reserve Planken Wambuis

Next, I enter the Planken Wambuis nature reserve. I walk through an open plain where hordes of wild horses and cattle are dwelling.

In the middle of the Planken Wambuis is Mossel farmhouse with a terrace. Here I treat myself to a cappuccino and a piece of cake. I never actually sit down on a terrace, but this one looked very tempting. And you can order from a counter, very convenient!

Near my table, barn swallows have made a nest in the roof edge. The birds fly right past me.

Other trail guide about the same region

After my break, I continue through the forest, still in nature reserve Planken Wambuis. There is also a wooden shoes trail in this area, as I see a sign and markings of the Kreel trail.

Mosselse Zand and Otterlo Neighbourhood forest

Then I come to yet another open plain, this time the Mosselse Zand. It is a pity the trail only goes along this sandy area. Although, it is also quite warm and walking along the forest edge with shade is then not bad at all.

I am almost done with this part of the Migration birds trail for today. Otterlo comes into sight, but not before I go through the Otterlo Neighbourhood Forest with fun winding paths.

Final thoughts

More hikes around 20 km

It is getting easier and easier for me to reach the 20 km mark in a hike. Here are three more hikes I did around 20 km.

_{ColourFlux Studio makes use of so-called affiliate links. If you buy a product through the link in an advertisement, ColourFlux Studio receives a small amount. There are no additional costs for the buyer.}

Back to Blog.