The best traffic-free bike rides around Lochem

Lochem offers a fantastic selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails. Our guide features 18 carefully curated routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker looking to escape motorized traffic.

The region around Lochem boasts a diverse terrain perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter gentle elevations around the Lochemse Berg, extensive woodlands, and serene farmlands. The routes often feature a mix of unpaved paths, gravel roads, and sand trails, providing varied surfaces for an engaging ride. The tranquil Berkel River also adds beautiful riverine landscapes to many routes.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Lochem offers several routes with more significant distances and elevation changes. For instance, the Ampsen Castle – Gorsselse Heide loop from Lochem is a difficult route covering over 93 km with notable elevation gains, providing a rewarding experience on traffic-free paths.

Many traffic-free gravel routes in Lochem pass by beautiful natural features and historic landmarks. You can explore trails near the Lochemse Berg hills, ride alongside the tranquil Berkel River, or venture close to natural reserves like the Sallandse Heuvelrug. Historic estates such as Ampsen Castle and Den Bramel Castle, and the Hackfort Watermill, are also often incorporated into routes. You might also spot highlights like the Nijenhuis castle or the serene Stelkampsveld Pond.

While many routes offer a peaceful experience, for family-friendly options, look for shorter, less challenging routes with minimal elevation. The region's extensive network of quiet paths and woodlands provides a safe environment for families to enjoy gravel biking together. Always check the route details for distance and difficulty to ensure it suits your family's needs.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Lochem, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the quiet woodlands, the diverse mix of unpaved paths, and the scenic beauty of the Gelderland countryside. The absence of motorized traffic is consistently highlighted as a major draw, allowing for a truly immersive and peaceful ride.

While many routes are designed to be traffic-free and immerse you in nature, Lochem and its surrounding villages offer charming cafes and pubs where you can refuel. It's advisable to check the specific route you plan to take and look for refreshment stops in nearby towns like Lochem itself or Almen, which is often featured on routes like the Gravel path along the Berkel – The Berkel near Almen loop.

Lochem is accessible by public transport, primarily by train, which can be a convenient way to reach the starting points of many routes. The train station in Lochem provides a good base. From there, you can often cycle directly onto the traffic-free paths. Always check local public transport schedules and bike carriage policies before you travel.

Generally, no special permits are required for cycling on public gravel paths and roads in the Lochem area. However, if your route takes you through specific private estates or nature reserves, it's always good practice to check for any local regulations or signage. Most of the traffic-free routes are on publicly accessible land.

For a moderate-difficulty traffic-free gravel experience, consider the Ampsen Castle – Beautiful gravel path loop from Lochem. This route covers approximately 57 km and offers a balanced ride through scenic landscapes, including views of Ampsen Castle, with manageable elevation changes.

Yes, the region offers several spots with excellent views. The Lochemse Hill is a notable viewpoint in the area, often incorporated into routes. Trails that traverse the Lochemse Berg or run alongside the Berkel River also provide picturesque vistas of the surrounding countryside and natural beauty.

Lochem and its surrounding villages offer a variety of accommodation options, from charming B&Bs to hotels, many of which are bike-friendly. Staying in or near Lochem provides easy access to the network of traffic-free gravel trails, allowing you to start your rides directly from your accommodation.