Krenkel Valley and Goldener Zapfen Trail

Slower than usual on the "back". Unfortunately, many of the paths were very muddy. Few trails.

After the morning shift we went for a ride. We went to Heinsberg again. From there you go to the aqueduct, the old Krenkelbach crossing over the then existing railway line. The old tunnel is walled up and serves as a home for bats. We went over the Dreiherrn-Stein with beautiful views towards the Elberndorfer Bachtal and later back towards Heinsberg. Of course, there was another training program for Fiete and me on the way, because the others don't shy away from "Sunday work" for us poor sables! See you soon, your Bruno 🐾🐾 https://www.sauerland-wanderdoerfer.de/de/touren/Touren-O/qualitaetstour-krenkeltal-und-goldener-zapfen-gratwandel-zwischen-rhein-und-weser

Since preparations for an evening family celebration🎉 would take up my time from midday onwards, I scheduled my obligatory hike for another early Saturday morning. Due to the start time, I missed the vaguely promised sunshine☀️, as blue skies only appeared on the return journey. Nevertheless, the route along the border between Sauerland and Siegerland turned out to be charming and perfectly walkable🥾🥾. The loop started at a parking lot next to the Heinsberger Weiher🐟 lake, deep in the valley. After a few meters, I turned onto a forest path, which immediately led me to a marked access point for the "Rothaarsteig" premium hiking trail. First, I followed the path uphill, parallel to a stream💦, which was occasionally dammed to form fish ponds. While the continuous ascent was initially moderate, a left turn introduced the only truly steep climb of the course. I climbed a good 100 meters in elevation over about a kilometer along narrow, at times impassable paths. At the top, I was rewarded with beautiful views, even in hazy weather, of the valleys, some of which were shrouded in fog. The route then continued a pleasant, gentle climb toward the highest point of the route at 673 m above sea level. Once there, I discovered the "Dreiherrnstein" (Three Lord Stone), situated in a historic location and surrounded by a shelter with seating. I found myself at the former border point of the counties of Nassau and Wittgenstein, as well as the principality of Cologne, which today forms the border between the districts of Siegen-Wittgenstein and Olpe. By now, I was following the main route of the Rothaarsteig, where I stayed for a while. Before a steep section, I passed through a marked gate to the Rothaarsteig👍, where I was welcomed into the community of Hilchenbach. I crossed the Elberndorfer Bach over a small bridge and continued on. Shortly before reaching the first road of the trail, I inspected "Kloses Hütte"🛖. The wooden building, isolated in the forest, was surrounded by several lovingly crafted decorations. A little later, I came to the Rothaarhütte, which is open for business, and behind it I crossed the road. The following section, which ran along a hill called "Goldener Zapfen"⛰️ (641 m above sea level), offered numerous panoramic views of the Siegerland region. A little sunshine would undoubtedly have enhanced the visual effect here. In the distance, I recognized Hilchenbach🏡, while nearby, the villages of Oberndorf and Helberhausen lay in the valley. Before I reached the wind turbines on the "Drei Buchen" hill (629 m above sea level), I turned right. I quickly lost elevation along the Ebersiepen stream👇. Walking forest paths through green spruce stands is now an unusual experience – apparently, the bark beetle doesn't feel quite as comfortable above 600 m above sea level🌲. I hiked a relatively steep downhill towards the village of Heinsberg, which is part of the municipality of Kirchhundem. Before I reached it, however, I turned right and headed towards my destination😃. The final stretch ran along a former railway line and, although a bit muddy, had practically no elevation gain. Having safely reached my destination, I spontaneously decided to walk around the Heinberger Weiher🐸🦆 pond as a final stop. 300 rustic meters, including a stream crossing, perfectly rounded off a fantastic loop that ran almost entirely through forest terrain, without touching any towns or roads. Conclusion: A long journey for a short hike—the beautiful surroundings were worth it!

A really nice tour! Normal paths alternated with forest and meadow paths. A short stop at the Rothaarhütte was a must, of course😅.. 🔝

Great round in the Siegerland/Sauerland border area with a Turkish monument, lots of nature and a place to stop for refreshments in the Rothaarhütte (unfortunately only on weekends and public holidays). Due to the ongoing logging work, the path offers some off-road passages, unfortunately also difficult to pass sections on wet days. The harvesters just leave tracks. Have fun hiking😀

After I brought a bad case of bronchitis back from Tallinn, I had to see what I could do today in the nice weather. 😉 I'm happy, even though I had to gasp heavily a few times. 😜. But I'm actually feeling pretty good again. The circular route contributed to this, by the way, it was very nice. 👍👋

Magnificent views, wonderful natural passages through sunken paths and forest idyll, a stream that crosses a railway line at lofty heights. As a quality trail with a high proportion of nature trails, its variety and many adventure points, the circular route is one of the "Sauerland tracks". Itinerary: https://www.alltrails.com/de/explore/map/wandern-85203ae Pictures also at: www.ivv-wandern-weber.de or: https://www.facebook.com/stefan.weber.1654/

Today we hiked the "Krenkeltal and Goldener Zapfen - ridge walk between the Rhine and Weser" rating path, this path is a Sauerland trail. We started at the Stauweiher Heinsberg hiking car park and followed the signs with the white circle on a black background in a clockwise direction. The path first led us to the first highlight, the aqueduct (a stream that was diverted via an artificial cut in the terrain for a former railway line). A short time later the path goes uphill to the left towards Dreiherrenstein, but here the path is currently very confusing due to tree felling and poorly or not at all signposted (approx. 500m). Once at the top we went cross-country for a short time through the missing signs (thanks to the map) to get back on the right path, this now led us to the Dreiherrenstein and was also the Rothaarsteig at the same time.