In search of Scottish Highlanders on the Veluwe
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
| Directions | Distance | Total distance | |
|
Start: Krimweg , 7351 TN Apeldoorn | 31.2 KM | |
|
From
12
to
2
|
938 M | 0.9 KM | |
| Head south | 14 M | ||
| Turn right onto Krimweg | 924 M | ||
| You are now at section 02 | 0 M | ||
|
From
2
to
13
|
1561 M | 1.6 KM | |
| Head west on Krimweg | 1.6 KM | ||
| Continue straight | 11 M | ||
| You are now at section 13 | 0 M | ||
|
From
13
to
23
|
6998 M | 7 KM | |
| Head south on Apeldoornseweg | 290 M | ||
| Turn right onto Apeldoornseweg (N804) | 6.7 KM | ||
| You are now at section 23 | 0 M | ||
|
From
23
to
86
|
4445 M | 4.4 KM | |
| Head northeast | 196 M | ||
| Keep right at the fork | 664 M | ||
| Turn right onto Brinkhorsterweg | 2.8 KM | ||
| Make a slight left onto Halfroeslaan | 740 M | ||
| You are now at section 86 | 0 M | ||
|
From
86
to
82
|
501 M | 0.5 KM | |
| Head southeast | 184 M | ||
| Continue straight | 105 M | ||
| Continue onto Halfroeslaan | 95 M | ||
| Turn right onto Oude Arnhemseweg | 117 M | ||
| You are now at section 82 | 0 M | ||
|
From
82
to
32
|
3255 M | 3.3 KM | |
| Head east on Groenendaal | 350 M | ||
| Make a slight left | 38 M | ||
| Make a slight left onto Groenendaal | 875 M | ||
| Keep right onto Groenendaal | 555 M | ||
| Make a slight right to stay on Groenendaal | 1.4 KM | ||
| You are now at section 32 | 0 M | ||
|
From
32
to
87
|
3070 M | 3.1 KM | |
| Head northeast on Droefakkers | 133 M | ||
| Turn right | 2.9 KM | ||
| You are now at section 87 | 0 M | ||
|
From
87
to
28
|
2073 M | 2.1 KM | |
| Head northwest | 406 M | ||
| Turn left | 1 KM | ||
| Make a slight left onto Groenendaal | 195 M | ||
| Turn right | 409 M | ||
| Turn right | 15 M | ||
| You are now at section 28 | 0 M | ||
|
From
28
to
85
|
2436 M | 2.4 KM | |
| Head west on Groenendaalseweg | 2.3 KM | ||
| Make a slight right | 60 M | ||
| Turn left | 9 M | ||
| Continue straight | 20 M | ||
| You are now at section 85 | 0 M | ||
|
From
85
to
9
|
633 M | 0.6 KM | |
| Head northeast | 20 M | ||
| Continue straight | 9 M | ||
| Turn left onto Oude Arnhemseweg | 604 M | ||
| You are now at section 09 | 0 M | ||
|
From
9
to
69
|
2173 M | 2.2 KM | |
| Head north on Oude Arnhemseweg | 2.2 KM | ||
| You are now at section 69 | 0 M | ||
|
From
69
to
12
|
3160 M | 3.2 KM | |
| Head west on Krimweg | 223 M | ||
| Keep left onto Krimweg | 1.6 KM | ||
| Make a slight right to stay on Krimweg | 1.3 KM | ||
| Continue straight | 52 M | ||
| You are now at section 12 | 0 M |