Hoenderloo, Deelen, Loenen

Long blowing red, blond or black hair and a pair of imposing horns. On the males they point sideways and forwards, on the ladies the horns point right into the air. This un-Dutch appearance with an equally un-Dutch name, the Scottish Highlander, is nevertheless a direct descendant of the European aurochs that once occurred across Europe.

In the 1970s, the idea of having the Dutch nature reserves grazed by large grazers emerged and a natural development of forest and heathland was encouraged. In several areas, Galloways, konik horses and heck cattle were released for natural grazing. On the Veluwe, these became Scottish Highlanders, the first group coming to the Veluwezoom in 1982. There are now more than 160 of these impressive animals living all over the Veluwe. In the first years, the animals were huge and were supplemented with concentrate feed. Nowadays, the animals can live off what can be found in nature. As a result, they have become somewhat smaller, but well able to withstand harsh winters and dry summers. They have even adapted their reproduction accordingly. Most calves are born in April and May, when there is plenty of grass and cows can give good milk.

The Scottish Highlanders on the Veluwe love the grass between the heather and thus ensure that the heather stays nice and open. They also like to eat the incipient deciduous trees from between the heather plants. They don't eat the young pine trees, but in the rutting season these make a good exercise partner for the young bulls of the Highlander, so little remains of these pine trees. Because the heath remains intact and open, but also because of fertilisation by these grazers, biodiversity in the area has increased enormously. From lichens and plants to insects, reptiles and amphibians have found their habitat here.

This cycle route takes you past the Deelerwoud and the Loenermark. In both areas you can spot the beautiful Scottish Highlanders with a bit of luck. The best chances are at the Deelen entrance to the Deelerwoud or at the Loenermark viewpoint. Look for the tracks left by the large grazers. Such as the debarked trees, which they rubbed so wonderfully against to relieve any itching. But also the manure the animals leave behind forms a natural trail. Despite the fact that Scottish Highlanders are very gentle animals, there are a few rules you must observe. The generally calm animals rarely become aggressive, but if they do become agitated, they can seriously injure you with their huge horns. So keep your distance, preferably at least 25 metres, leave the animals alone, do not disturb their natural behaviour and above all, never feed them!


This Premium cycle route has been compiled by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen