A loop through the Strijthagerbeek valley

Starting point: the courtyard of Winselerhof

You set off from the inner courtyard of Winselerhof, where the old farmstead still sets the tone. Walk off the estate and you are immediately in the green of the Strijthagerbeek valley: a broad, rolling valley where the brook winds through the meadows and the woodland edge follows the hills.

Along the way: water, woods and open fields

The path follows the brook for a while, with the gradient on either side reminding your legs you are in the hills. Here and there you dip into the wood, then cross open fields with views over the slopes around Landgraaf. In spring the verges are full of colour; in autumn it smells of wet leaves.

Highlight: the view over the slopes

Halfway round you climb to a higher point where the valley opens out below you. It is a classic South Limburg scene: green undulations, a distant church tower, fields following the hills. Stopping to take it in really pays off here.

Back: along the woodland edge to the farmstead

The return mostly follows the edge of the wood, sheltered and quiet, until you arrive back at the courtyard of Winselerhof. A compact loop that still offers plenty of variety between water, woods and open landscape.

Good to know

• Firm paths, but with climbs and descents: wear shoes with grip.
• Dogs are welcome; keep them on a lead where livestock is grazing.
• Lovely in every season, at its best in morning or evening light.
• Distance and duration are approximate; the exact route follows.

From Winselerhof

Because the walk begins and ends on the courtyard, this is the ideal loop for anyone who wants to move early in the morning or just before dinner. Afterwards you can slip straight into Luigi's or Pirandello.