Hiking at the Haarmuhle and the Witte Venn

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During our 'playful world travel' from my own garden this summer, I took a walk in the border area of the Netherlands and Germany. From the Haarmuhle, a nice restaurant, I started my walk at the watermill.

In addition to the Haarmühle it is also recommended to visit the “Witte Venn”. It is a nature reserve in the border region, where about 50 Scottish highland cattle live. The landscape offers diverse nature from humid to dry heather, forest areas such as dark peat water and fields with white peat fluff. The “Witte Venn” is located in Germany and the Netherlands on both sides of the border. Due to its unique location, many special biotopes have emerged. These are almost unique today in North Rhine-Westphalia. This includes peat water with bone grasses such as peat areas and moors with rare plants. Especially the tree and murderer frogs feel really good here — thanks to the recollection of the drained peat landscape —. They also show that loud at their concerts in the evenings. Similarly, the attentive visitor can discover a variety of bird species, such as the teal, night-swallow, tree falcon or the quail king, which can be found hidden in the thickets. For the maintenance of moorland and grassland areas, 50 Scottish highland cattle have been deported to graze on the Dutch side. The sober and robust animals spend their time in a herd of cows, calves and bulls in the open air all year round.

Especially the circular hiking trail, which goes directly through the meadow, is very exciting for the visitor. Here, the Scottish highland cattle can be experienced from very close. Often the robust and peaceful animals with their impressive horns stay directly along the path.

The water mill was built in 1619, and has been restored and operated again since 1988. The mill now supplies electricity by a steel mill wheel, which replaced the old mill wheel.

Through forest and through moors, along paths and across scaffolding, the route runs across the White Venn. Really a lovely area.

You know that in some parts of the walk you may encounter the great grazers, the Scottish Highlanders. That makes the route extra fun. Especially with the water pests you have to keep your eyes open, they often keep themselves there!

With paths that sometimes do foreign, you really feel like you're on holiday. A day away in your own country gives such a feeling of freedom! Do more often!

I heard them before I saw them, I thought I heard playing children sailing, but it turned out to be a herd of Scottish highlanders. This is where they were behind the fence.

A little further in the walk I came across another group with a number of calves. So pay extra attention to whether the adult cattle accept you, and always keep your distance! Another moment when it's nice to have a camera with a good telephoto lens! Look at what a sweetheart!

Look how beautiful, a mother with calf!

But pay attention, you will always be watched! Behind every tree lies potential danger! (Does he think this, or should I think of this?)

After I have ripped away from the great herd of Scottish Highlanders, I will continue my walk again. Beautiful light through the trees, pieces between the heather (must also be beautiful at the end of August during flowering, I was here early August) and along the fens.

All in all highly recommended, walking at the Witte Venn and the Haarmuhle.

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