🍁🐑 Marskramerpad Adventure: Hiking to the center of Gravity (22 km) 🌍🍂

After recently visiting the geographical midpoint of the Netherlands, we’re now heading to "het zwaartepunt van Nederland" – the country's center of gravity, which is different from the midpoint near Lunteren!

Our route will follow a section of the historic "Marskramerpad", a long-distance hiking trail that stretches 372 km from Bad Bentheim in Germany to The Hague. The "Marskramerpad" (Pedlar's Path) was once traveled by peddlers journeying between trade cities like Oldenzaal, Deventer, and Amersfoort to sell trinkets, spices, and miracle ointments to villages along the way.

We'll be hiking part of "Etappe 12", a particularly scenic section that takes us through serene forests and peaceful landscapes, offering glimpses into both Dutch natural beauty and the rich trading history that shaped the region.

At the end of our hike, we’ll reach the wild forested area of the Veluwe, where we’ll visit the Netherlands' center of gravity before finding a nearby bus stop (line 107 to Putten to the north and Ede-Wageningen to the south) to head back home.

Hiking in November
November is usually quite wet, so be ready for muddy trails and potentially challenging conditions. Dress warmly, bring rain gear, and consider wearing waterproof hiking boots for extra comfort as you tackle the mud.

When and Where to Meet?
We'll meet at 10:30 AM at Hoevenlaken train station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/yaekkb4RUhgMBfuF8

We'll begin the hike promptly to make the most of our day, so please be on time. 🚀

Where and When Shall We Rest?
We'll have a lunch break along the way, and 2 more smaller breaks, but please note that we'll be staying outside. Be sure to bring your own lunch and dress warmly.

How to pay?
Please could you pay me € 3.00 for 'Marskramerpad' at https://tikkie.me/pay/tk93316ii567kmti9pds

T-shirts!
Veluwe Power Hikers T-shirts are now available! Made sustainably with eco-friendly, water-based inks and Fairwear-certified organic cotton, these high-quality shirts minimize environmental impact and help reduce odors on long hikes—perfect for our adventures.

You can grab one for €25 during the hike, but stock is limited!

Notifications:

• If your Meetup name is different from your payment account name, please add a note with your Meetup name so I can easily match them.
• To secure your spot, please make the payment within 24 hours. If payment isn’t received, your spot will be offered to someone on the waiting list.
• Cancellations are fully refundable up to one week before the event (This is Friday 22 November at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. Please also note that refunds will not be possible for late arrivals.
• Feel free to ask any questions about the local wildlife and plants as we hike—it's a great chance to explore nature!
• Bring food and/or snacks for during the hike.
• Bring at least 1 liter of water for drinking along the way.
• The only reason the hike could get canceled is because of bad weather (storm with strong winds).
• If you plan to bring a companion, please ensure that they are also registered for the hike.
• Please note that my phone will be offline from the start of the hike.
• Latecomers, I kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out before the hike for assistance to catch up.
• To be the first to get updates on new hikes, join our WhatsApp group! Feel free to ask for the QR code during the hike to easily join.