Wooden shoes trails are fun! I’ve already picked out the next one. In this blog just a short description of the trail (a trail shortener 😉), a few photos and a simple sketch to illustrate. No need for a hiking map, the info on the wooden shoes trails website is clear enough.
This time a report about the Errekom trail.
My experience
Today is my birthday (April 12th) and for my birthday hike I often choose a blossom trail. This time as well: the Errekom trail is in the middle of the Betuwe region, which is by far the best region to see blossom trees.
This wooden shoes trail is 14 km long and is thus located in the Betuwe region of the Netherlands, in the province of Gelderland. The starting point is in the small town of Erichem, the namesake of this trail, and the hike also goes through the town of Buren. You can shorten the trail to 9 km and lengthen it to 18 km. I myself did a slightly own version: I start in Buren (the actual starting point cannot be reached by public transport) with the trail counter-clockwise. As a result, I first walk around Buren, and then follow the trail clockwise after all. In Buren itself, I only get to the end of the hike.
On the Great rivers trail (from Buren to Tiel), I have been to the town of Buren before, I also saw Erichem in the distance at the time. This time I do walk into Erichem, on a narrow path along a beautiful bright yellow rapeseed field. At the official starting point with trail panel on the square, I take a break. From here you can take the trail shortener. I choose the normal trail towards Lutterveld myself.
At Lutterveld is an interchange to another wooden shoes trail called the Teisterbant trail. I also made a blog about this trail.
Trail guide about wooden shoes trails
I find this part a bit boring. The path is almost exclusively paved so far. I see some blossom in fruit orchards, but I am not really impressed yet. Where the normal trail and the trail shortener meet, it is finally time for a grassy path. This is definitely the nicest part of the hike. I eventually arrive at camping ‘de Karekiet’ (Reed warbler). Finally I see some nice fruit trees in bloom.
After that, the unpaved paths are over. Until Buren, I walk on the verge along a busy road. A couple of little lambs in a field look at me curiously. Just before Buren, the trail crosses an industrial area.
Finally, I walk straight through the centre of Buren. I hope to take a few more nice photos of the historic buildings, but it is too busy for that. I doubt whether I will take the trail extender, as it goes through the beautiful Tichelgaten nature reserve. I really liked this section before on a hike of the Great rivers trail between Beesd and Buren. I think 15 kilometres is enough for today and walk straight to the bus stop.
The photos
Final thoughts
The Errekom trail was a bit disappointing, to be honest. I did enjoy the hike, the blossom, cute lambs and the weather, but I expected more from the trail. Nevertheless, it is a Fine hike (3 star rating), especially if you include the trail extender through Tichelgaten nature reserve.
I would recommend going for the trail shortener instead of the normal trail. In my opinion, this part does not add that much to the hike. At spring, when the fruit trees are in bloom, is the best time to do this trail. But nature reserve Tichelgaten is also very beautiful in late spring and summer due to the flowery grasslands.
More info:
Trail: Wooden shoes trail Errekom trailWhere: Erichem and Buren, Gelderland, the Netherlands.
No. of km: 14 km
Hiking date: 12 April 2024
Materials used in illustration: little sketch with graphite pencil
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- To Buren: bus stop Plantsoen, Buren – bus 46 between Culemborg and Tiel
More blossom and Betuwe region
Here are more hikes in the Betuwe region that are most beautiful in the blossom season:
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.
