Along the Berkel and the Twentekanaal

From Lochem you are out in the countryside within minutes. This route links two very different waterways: the wayward, meandering Berkel and the dead-straight Twentekanaal. It is a flat ride that largely follows cycle junction nodes, so you barely have to glance at the map.

Along the way: the meanders of the Berkel

First you follow the Berkel, which loops through the meadow landscape in lazy bends. Reed fringes, pollarded willows and now and then a grey heron standing motionless on the bank. The water runs high in spring and sinks away among the sandbanks in summer.

Highlight: the Twentekanaal

Near Lochem you cross the Twentekanaal, a broad waterway where inland barges glide stately past. The cycle path along the dyke gives you a sense of space: water on one side, the open fields of the Achterhoek on the other.

Back through the layered landscape

The final stretch leads you back through the layered landscape, past hedgerows, small copses and old farmhouses. You cross the Zutphen–Oldenzaal railway line and roll back towards Lochem along quiet country lanes.

Good to know

• The route is flat and fine for an ordinary bike; an e-bike is not a must.
• Dogs can come along in a basket or trailer; letting them run loose along the canal is not advisable.
• There are plenty of village cafés along the way for coffee or apple cake.

You start and finish at Hotel Hof van Gelre in Lochem, where you can store your bike and let the ride settle on the terrace afterwards.