Pieterpad Camino Trail: Vorden to Vierlingsbeek

Arrive in the charming village of Vorden, known for its historic castle and relaxed rural atmosphere. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to visit nearby Vorden Castle or take a short train ride to the historic town of Zutphen, well worth exploring for its medieval streets and riverside setting.

Your first walk begins just outside Vorden, passing the impressive local castle before crossing the Vorden brook. Along the route you join part of the famous Pieterpad trail and pass a monument dedicated to the trail’s female creators. The walk continues through the varied landscapes of the Kieftskamp estate and the small village of Linde. You then head toward the historic estate of ’t Zelle before reaching Zelhem, walking through the forested area of ’t Zand, once known for its shifting sand dunes. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Today’s walk leads through the peaceful countryside of the Heidenhoek. Along the way you’ll see the distinctive Silo Tower, sometimes called the “Cathedral”. Continue to the historic Slangenburg Castle, dating back to the 14th century. The route then crosses the Oude IJssel river, once important for the region’s iron industry, before continuing through rural landscapes to the village of Braamt, recognised by its traditional windmill. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

This stage takes you into the Montferland region near the German border, an area known for its forested hills and wide views. Walk through the Bergher Forest and climb Hulzenberg (83m/272 ft), where an observation tower offers sweeping views across the landscape. The route continues through Hoch-Elten before entering the wetlands of the Gelderse Poort nature area. Your day ends in Tolkamer, where you take a ferry across the Waal River to reach Millingen aan de Rijn. Distance: 24km/14.9mi

Begin the day walking through the flat floodplain landscape known as the Duffelt. Near the village of Leuth you pass Plezenburg, a historic terp farm dating from 1810. The route then gradually climbs the wooded hills of the Nijmegen moraine, including Duivelsberg (76m/249ft). At the summit you’ll find remains of the medieval Mergelp castle and enjoy views across the Ooypolder floodplains before continuing through rolling countryside to the wine village of Groesbeek. This afternoon or tomorrow morning, you may wish to visit the Canadian war cemetery. Distance: 21km/13mi

Today’s walk takes you through Groesbeek Forest as you cross from the province of Gelderland into Limburg. Continue through the scenic Sint Jansberg nature reserve, following winding trails past lakes, ponds and hedged fields. Near the town of Gennep you reach the historic site of Genneperhuis, once a strategically important fortress where the Niers and Maas rivers meet. Spend the evening exploring Gennep’s historic centre and market square. Distance: 15km/9.3mi

Leaving Gennep, the trail follows the dike along the Niers River, leading you toward the forests near Heijen. Soon the route enters Maasduinen National Park, a distinctive landscape of river dunes formed over thousands of years by the shifting forces of wind and water. As you walk through this natural area, you pass a series of reflective ponds and heathland lakes, including the tranquil Quin, which adds to the park’s peaceful atmosphere. The trail then brings you to the village of Afferden, where you cross the Maas River by ferry, offering lovely views across one of the Netherlands’ great rivers. On the opposite bank, a final stretch through the gentle Groeningen hills leads you to Vierlingsbeek in the province of North Brabant. This small riverside village has long been an important crossing point along the Maas and today offers a welcoming place to end your walk, with a handful of cafés and traditional Dutch village charm. Distance: 20km/12.4mi